Muffled: meaning, definitions and examples

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muffled

[ˈmʌfəld ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

sound

If a sound is muffled, it is quiet or not clear because something is covering or blocking it.

Synonyms

dull, indistinct, muted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
muffled	Used when referring to sounds that are softened or not clear, often because something is obstructing the sound. The voices behind the door were muffled. She spoke in a muffled tone, as if hesitant.
muted	Commonly used to describe sounds that are lowered in volume or intensity, as well as colors that are not bright or vibrant. The muted sound of laughter filled the room. The walls were painted in muted tones of blue and gray.
dull	This word is commonly used to describe sounds or experiences that lack vibrancy, sharpness, or excitement. It can also describe pain that is not intense. The constant dull hum of the machinery was almost soothing. He complained of a dull ache in his lower back.
indistinct	Appropriate when talking about something that is unclear or hard to understand, often due to distance or interference. The picture was so indistinct that I couldn't make out any details. His voice was indistinct over the phone.

Examples of usage

The sound of the conversation was muffled by the closed door.
His voice was muffled by the scarf he was wearing.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

action

To muffle something means to wrap or cover it tightly in order to reduce noise or sound.

Synonyms

quiet, silence, stifle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
muffled	This word is often used to describe a sound that is not clear because it is being blocked or obscured by something. It is often associated with being less distinct or harder to hear. I could hear muffled voices through the wall. Her muffled laughter made it hard to understand what she was saying.
silence	Refers to the complete absence of sound. It can be used both as a noun and a verb. This term can be neutral but sometimes carries a dramatic or intense connotation. There was an eerie silence after the storm. He tried to silence the critics with his performance.
quiet	This word is used to describe a situation where there is little or no noise. It is a more general term and can refer to a person, place, or thing. Please be quiet while the baby is sleeping. The library is usually a very quiet place.
stifle	Often used to describe an effort to prevent something from happening or being expressed. It usually has a negative connotation and implies suppression or restraint. She had to stifle a laugh during the meeting. The oppressive heat made it hard to not feel stifled.

Examples of usage

She muffled her cough with a handkerchief.
He muffled the drum to reduce its volume.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Middle English term 'mufled', which means to wrap up or conceal.
Its roots can be traced back to the Old French 'mouffler', meaning to muffle or soften.
There’s a connection to the word 'muff', a hand warmer tucked into clothing, reflecting the idea of covering or enclosing.

Psychology

Muffled sounds can evoke feelings of comfort or calm, often linked to memories of safety and warmth.
People may use sounds being muffled as a sign of mixed emotions, feeling both comforted yet distant from a situation.
Research shows that muffled sounds can also lead to increased focus, as background noise becomes less distracting.

Art and Literature

In poetry, muffled sounds can symbolize silence or suppression of emotions, enhancing the mood.
Many filmmakers use muffled sound in scenes to depict disorientation or to create a dreamlike atmosphere.
The concept of muffled voices often appears in literature to indicate mystery or secrecy, leaving readers curious.

Technology

Noise-canceling technology works by muffling certain frequencies that cause unwanted sound, improving audio clarity.
In audio engineering, a muffled sound may indicate issues with equipment or recording environments requiring adjustments.
Muffled sounds can sometimes be a signed characteristic of certain types of musical instruments, adding to a unique tonal quality.

Everyday Life

Muffled sounds often occur in winter when snow blankets the ground, deadening noise and creating a peaceful ambiance.
When people speak with their mouths covered, like using a hand or scarf, their words become muffled and hard to understand.
Think of how a blanket can muffle voices or noises at night, creating a cozy environment for sleep.

Translations

Translations of the word "muffled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 abafado

🇮🇳 मंद

🇩🇪 gedämpft

🇮🇩 teredam

🇺🇦 приглушений

🇵🇱 stłumiony

🇯🇵 こもった

🇫🇷 étouffé

🇪🇸 amortiguado

🇹🇷 boğuk

🇰🇷 읊조리다

🇸🇦 مكتوم

🇨🇿 tlumený

🇸🇰 tlmený

🇨🇳 闷闷的

🇸🇮 pridušen

🇮🇸 hávaðinn daufur

🇰🇿 бастырылған

🇬🇪 დამალული

🇦🇿 boğulmuş

🇲🇽 amortiguado

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,132, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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14129 dialogues
14130 sustenance
14131 sorely
14132 muffled
14133 nickname
14134 elucidate
14135 snowy
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