subdued
/səbˈdjuːd/ (bre, ipa) · [səbdˈud] /səbˈduːd/ (ame, ipa) · [səbdˈud] /səb-ˈdüd How to pronounce subdued (audio) -ˈdyüd/ (ame, mw)
subdued — adjective
- subduedpositive
- more subduedcomparative
- most subduedsuperlative
1. showing soft colour or low light instead of a strong, bright effect
showing soft colour or low light instead of a strong, bright effect
Soft lamps gave the cafe a subdued golden glow at dinner.
collocation: subdued glow / lighting
The designer chose subdued green walls for the small waiting room.
collocation: subdued colours in design
Under the clouds, the beach looked subdued and almost silver.
Museum staff kept the gallery light subdued near the old paper maps.
用法筆記
Often used before nouns such as light, colours, or tones when the effect is gentle rather than striking.
2. heard at a low level and without sharp force or volume
heard at a low level and without sharp force or volume
The nurse spoke in a subdued voice outside the sleeping baby's room.
collocation: subdued voice
Subdued music drifted through the hotel lobby after midnight.
collocation: subdued music
From the back row, we heard only subdued laughter during the film.
After the alarm test, the office returned to a subdued hum.
用法筆記
Most often describes voices, music, or background sounds that are kept low by circumstance or choice.
3. quieter and less lively than usual, often because something has affected the per
quieter and less lively than usual, often because something has affected the person's mood
James seemed subdued after the team announced the office closure.
pattern: seem subdued after news
Hoa was unusually subdued after her piano exam ended.
Usually chatty, Tunde stayed subdued during the long bus ride home.
Even the children grew subdued when the doctor entered the room.
用法筆記
Usually describes a temporary change in someone's behaviour after difficult news, strain, or a serious moment.
4. controlled so that it feels restrained rather than strong, dramatic, or extreme
controlled so that it feels restrained rather than strong, dramatic, or extreme
The director gave the final scene a subdued, graceful ending.
style: restrained artistic effect
Elena's wedding dress was elegant in a subdued, simple way.
The campaign poster used subdued language instead of angry slogans.
Our celebration was warm but subdued after the storm damage.
- restrained
emphasizes self-control or deliberate limitation
- understated
especially common for style and design
- muted
often suggests the effect has been toned down
用法筆記
Often used for style, language, emotion, or celebration when the effect is deliberately controlled and not showy.