Muted
ˈmjuːtɪd
Definitions
2 meaningsReduced in volume or intensity; softened or subdued.
ˈmjuːtɪd
Reduced in volume or intensity
The muted colors of the painting created a calming atmosphere.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're at a concert, but the music is playing super quietly, like you can barely hear it. That's 'muted!' It can also be a color that's not too bright.
👶 For kids: When something is muted, it means it's quiet or not very bright, like when you turn down the volume on the TV.
More Examples
The television was on, but the sound was muted so as not to disturb the baby.
His disappointment was muted, but still evident.
How It's Used
"The trumpeter played a muted solo."
"The room was filled with muted conversation."
Having reduced the intensity, clarity, or prominence of something.
ˈmjuːtɪd
Having made less loud and intense
I muted the sound on my phone during the meeting.
💡 Simply: Picture you turning down the volume on your TV or computer. You're muting the sound, making it quieter.
👶 For kids: When you mute something, you're making it quiet, like turning off the sound on your toy.
More Examples
The speaker's voice was muted by the microphone.
The colors of the fabric were beautifully muted.
How It's Used
"He muted the sound on his television."
"The noise from the construction work was muted by the closed windows."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From the verb 'mute,' which comes from the Latin 'mutus,' meaning 'silent' or 'speechless.' It originally referred to the silencing of a musical instrument.
The word 'mute' has been used since the 13th century, with 'muted' appearing in the 16th century, initially relating to silence and then extending to the reduction of sound in music and other contexts.
Memory tip
Think of a musical instrument with a mute on it – the sound is lessened.
Word Origin
"silent, speechless"