muted
/ˈmjuːtɪd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈmjuːtɪd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈmyü-təd/ (ame, mw)
muted — adjective
- mutedpositive
- more mutedcomparative
- most mutedsuperlative
1. used to describe sounds that are softer and less loud than usual — reduced in vo
used to describe sounds that are softer and less loud than usual — reduced in volume rather than physically blocked.
From behind the closed door, Yuna could hear the muted voices of her parents talking.
The muted hum of the refrigerator was the only sound in the kitchen at midnight.
collocation: muted hum / muted voices
Tariq spoke in a muted whisper so that he would not wake his roommate.
Through the heavy curtains, the muted noise of traffic barely reached the bedroom.
常見錯誤
2. used to describe a reaction, feeling, or expression that is not strong, enthusia
used to describe a reaction, feeling, or expression that is not strong, enthusiastic, or openly expressed — for example, a muted response to a proposal or muted enthusiasm for a plan.
The audience's muted applause showed they were not impressed by the performance.
collocation: muted applause
There was only muted interest in the company's new product launch.
collocation: muted interest
When Amara heard the trip was cancelled, she gave a muted smile and said nothing.
The government's muted response to the crisis disappointed many aid workers.
- subdued
very close in meaning; 'subdued' slightly emphasises a forced or restrained quality
- restrained
suggests someone is deliberately holding back a stronger reaction
- half-hearted
implies a lack of effort or conviction, often more negative than 'muted'
- enthusiastic
direct opposite in terms of energy and warmth
- passionate
suggests strong emotion, the opposite of muted
用法筆記
This sense often describes collective reactions (applause, enthusiasm, response) rather than a single person's inner feeling. It suggests that people are holding back or that the reaction is weaker than expected.
常見錯誤
3. used to describe a colour that is not bright, vivid, or shiny — a soft, toned-do
used to describe a colour that is not bright, vivid, or shiny — a soft, toned-down shade that looks calm rather than striking.
Wei painted the living-room walls in a muted shade of sage green.
collocation: muted shade of [colour]
The artist prefers muted earth tones over bright, flashy colours.
Her winter wardrobe consists mainly of muted browns, greys, and creams.
The photograph used muted colours to create a calm, nostalgic mood.
用法筆記
Muted in this sense is neutral or positive when describing interior design, fashion, or art. It is the opposite of 'bright', 'vivid', or 'garish', and overlaps with 'subdued' and 'matt'.
常見錯誤
4. used to describe a musical instrument, especially a brass or string instrument,
used to describe a musical instrument, especially a brass or string instrument, that is played with a mute fitted to make its sound softer, warmer, and less sharp.
The trumpeter played a beautiful muted passage during the jazz solo.
collocation: muted trumpet / muted passage
Diego's muted trombone produced a warm, velvety tone that filled the concert hall.
Grace practised her muted trumpet scales late at night without disturbing the neighbours.
In the quiet section of the piece, the muted violins created a haunting whisper-like effect.
用法筆記
This is the most specific and technical sense of muted. It refers to a physical mute device (for brass, string, or occasionally woodwind instruments) and is used by musicians and music critics. The colour and sound senses above describe natural qualities, whereas this sense describes a deliberate technique.