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Muted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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muted

[ˈmjuːtɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

sound

Not emitting or having sound.

Synonyms

hushed, quiet, silent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
muted

Used to describe something that is subdued or toned down. Often used for colors, sounds, or expressions.

  • The colors in the room are very muted, giving it a calm atmosphere
  • His response was muted, showing little enthusiasm
silent

Indicates complete absence of sound, often implying a sense of seriousness, mystery, or tension.

  • The room was silent after the shocking news
  • She remained silent, not wanting to reveal her thoughts
quiet

Used to describe a lack of noise or disturbance. Can be used in various contexts, both positive and neutral.

  • It's very quiet in the library
  • The countryside is so quiet compared to the city
hushed

Refers to something that is intentionally made quiet or silent, often to avoid drawing attention.

  • The crowd was hushed as the speaker began to talk
  • They spoke in hushed tones, not wanting to wake the baby

Examples of usage

  • The TV was muted so we could have a conversation.
  • She placed her phone on muted during the meeting.
  • The muted background music created a calming atmosphere.
Context #2 | Verb

chat

To temporarily silence or turn off sound.

Synonyms

hush, quiet, silence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
muted

In situations where something is less intense or restrained in sound, color, or response.

  • The muted colors of the room created a calm atmosphere.
  • His response was muted compared to the enthusiasm of others.
silence

Refers to a complete absence of sound, often used in more intense or dramatic situations.

  • There was complete silence in the room after the announcement.
  • He demanded silence from the noisy classroom.
quiet

Used to describe a general state of low noise or tranquility, often in both settings and behaviors.

  • They enjoyed a quiet evening at home.
  • Please be quiet during the presentation.
hush

When someone wants others to be silent quickly, often used to command quiet in an urgent or abrupt manner.

  • Hush! The baby is sleeping.
  • She hushed the crowd as the performance began.

Examples of usage

  • He muted his microphone during the online meeting.
  • The teacher muted the students' microphones to reduce background noise.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Art and Design

  • In visual arts, muted colors are often preferred for a sophisticated, calm aesthetic.
  • Artists use muted tones to evoke emotional depth; for instance, a soft palette can create a nostalgic feeling.
  • Muted colors often find their way into fashion, used to convey elegance and versatility in clothing.

Psychology

  • Muted colors and sounds can influence mood; softer tones tend to evoke feelings of serenity and ease.
  • Research shows that environments with muted colors reduce stress and promote focus compared to vibrant settings.
  • In communication, muted expressions can indicate subtle emotions, fostering an atmosphere of contemplation.

Music

  • In the realm of music, muted instruments provide a unique sound; for example, muted trumpets are often used in jazz.
  • Using a mute can alter a musical piece's dynamics, creating contrast with unmuted sections for emotional impact.
  • Historically, many composers embraced muted strings to evoke a sense of intimacy in their compositions.

Pop Culture

  • In films, muted dialogue may signal tension or fear, enhancing the dramatic atmosphere.
  • The term 'muted' has been used in various song lyrics and titles, often reflecting themes of emotion and restraint.
  • Television shows often use muted colors in their aesthetic to enhance storytelling, creating mood without distraction.

Origin of 'muted'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'muted' comes from the Latin word 'mutare,' meaning 'to change or alter.'
  • Initially, it referred to the act of reducing sound, evolving over time to encompass colors and expressions.
  • In musical terms, 'muted' indicates an effect achieved by dampening sound, creating a softer tone.

The word 'muted' originates from the verb 'mute', which comes from the Latin word 'mutus', meaning silent or speechless. Over time, 'muted' has evolved to describe the action of silencing or reducing sound, as well as describing objects or situations that lack noise or sound.

See also: mute, mutely, mutual.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,718, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.