Muffling: meaning, definitions and examples

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muffling

 

[ ˈmʌflɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

sound reduction

Muffling refers to the act of deadening or dampening a sound, making it softer or less distinct. It can involve the use of materials or techniques to absorb or block sound waves. This can be used in various contexts, such as in music, where a musician may muffle an instrument to achieve a certain tone, or in soundproofing, where efforts are made to muffle external noise in a space. The term can also apply to the physical covering of an object to reduce its noise or impact on the surrounding environment.

Synonyms

dampen, muffle, muted, stifle

Examples of usage

  • He used a cloth to muffle the sound of the drum.
  • The room was designed to muffle the noise from the outside.
  • She spoke softly to muffle her voice.
  • The children muffled their laughter during the movie.

Translations

Translations of the word "muffling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 atenuação

🇮🇳 कमज़ोर करना

🇩🇪 Dämpfung

🇮🇩 meredam

🇺🇦 приглушення

🇵🇱 tłumienie

🇯🇵 muffling

🇫🇷 étouffement

🇪🇸 atenuación

🇹🇷 sönümlendirme

🇰🇷 음소거

🇸🇦 تخفيف

🇨🇿 utlumování

🇸🇰 tlmenie

🇨🇳 减音

🇸🇮 utapljanje

🇮🇸 demping

🇰🇿 жұмсарту

🇬🇪 დამცირება

🇦🇿 sönmə

🇲🇽 atenuación

Word origin

The term 'muffle' originates from the Middle English word 'moflen', which means to wrap or envelop. This is derived from the earlier Old French word 'moufle', which refers to a mitt or muff. Historically, the idea of wrapping or enveloping was associated with reducing the sound produced by an object. Over time, the meaning evolved to encompass sound reduction in a broader sense, extending to actions taken to lessen the impact of noise in various settings. The use of the term has grown, especially in contexts related to music and sound engineering, where artists and engineers seek ways to control sound dynamics for desired effects.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,743 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.