Muffle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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muffle

[ˈmʌfəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

sound

To make a sound quieter, usually by covering or wrapping something around it.

Synonyms

dampen, dull, hush, mute.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
muffle	When you need to reduce the volume of sound, typically by covering the source of the noise. She used a blanket to muffle the baby's cries The thick walls muffle the nearby traffic noise
dampen	When you want to reduce the intensity of sound or enthusiasm. It can also mean to make something slightly wet. The rain began to dampen their spirits Placing a towel underneath the door helps to dampen the sound
mute	When you completely silence something or someone, or reduce the sound to zero. He used the remote control to mute the TV during the commercial Please mute your microphone during the conference call
dull	When you want to describe something that is less sharp, vivid, or intense, often applies to senses like hearing or sight. The medication can dull your sense of pain The sound of the machinery dulls your ability to hear conversations
hush	When you need to tell someone to be quiet or reduce noise quickly, often used in more urgent or intimate situations. She asked the children to hush as the movie began There was a hush in the room when the teacher entered

Examples of usage

He muffled the sound of his phone by putting it under a pillow.
The thick curtains muffled the noise from the street outside.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

clothing

A piece of cloth used to wrap around something to deaden sound or to protect from cold.

Synonyms

cover, shield, wrap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
muffle	Used when trying to reduce sound or make it quieter. It can also refer to covering something to keep it warm or to conceal it. He used a pillow to muffle his voice so he wouldn't wake anyone. The scarf helped muffle the cold wind.
wrap	Used when enveloping something with an object, usually in a protective or decorative manner. It can also refer to enclosing something completely. She decided to wrap the gift in colorful paper. The chef used foil to wrap the leftovers.
cover	Used when placing something over another thing to protect or hide it. It is generally a neutral term suitable in many situations. She used a blanket to cover the sleeping child. He held an umbrella to cover himself from the rain.
shield	Used in situations where protection from danger, harm, or unwanted elements is needed. It often implies a defensive action. The soldiers used their shields to protect themselves from arrows. She raised her hand to shield her eyes from the bright light.

Examples of usage

She put on a muffle to keep her ears warm in the winter.
The muffle around the microphone reduced the background noise.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Music

Musicians often use a technique called 'muffling' to create softer sounds, helping to control the dynamics of music.
In percussion, a 'muffler' can be an internal tool in a drum to absorb sound and reduce resonance.
The muted trumpet and other instruments use 'muffles' to alter their sound, creating a softer tone.

Everyday Life

You muffle sounds when you speak into a pillow, which is a simple way to understand the concept.
Winter clothing, like hats and scarves, helps muffle the cold and sound from the outside, giving a feeling of warmth.
Soundproofing materials in walls are designed to muffle noise from one room to another.

Psychology

Research shows that reducing background noise (or muffling) can improve concentration and focus.
Muffling sound can affect mood, often creating a calm environment that reduces anxiety.
In therapeutic settings, sound muffling techniques are used to enhance mindfulness and relaxation.

Literature

In literature, authors often describe characters muffling their voices to convey secrets or private thoughts.
Muffled sounds in storytelling can create suspense, making readers want to find out what's happening.
Symbolically, muffling may represent suppression of emotions or secrets in characters' lives.

Origin of 'muffle'

Main points about word origin

The word 'muffle' comes from the Middle English term 'moflen,' which means to wrap up warm.
The original meaning was closely related to muff, a hand warmer, which kept things cozy and sound-friendly.
In the 16th century, it started being used to describe reducing sound.

The word 'muffle' originated from Middle English 'moufle', which meant a thick glove or a muff. Over time, it evolved to mean to wrap or cover something for the purpose of deadening sound or protecting from cold. The verb form of 'muffle' has been in use since the 16th century, while the noun form has a more recent history. Today, 'muffle' is commonly used in contexts related to soundproofing, insulation, and protection from noise.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,643, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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24640 unicellular
24641 hotline
24642 calibrations
24643 muffle
24644 rapacity
24645 disenchantment
24646 drape
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