be dampened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be dampened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is reduced, lessened, or made less intense, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The excitement of the event was dampened by the unexpected rain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His ardour had to be dampened pretty fiercely.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Will his excitement be dampened when he realizes he got second billing to the puke story?

The Washington Post

Should worldwide economic growth slow, the demand for American goods and services could be dampened.

The New York Times

The Versace muse is softened, but her glamour won't be dampened completely.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The most heavily methylated parts of the genome tend to be dampened in their activity.

The New Yorker

Some vibrations can be dampened by "passive" and "active" stabilization systems.

Britannica

The game is difficult to withdraw from completely, but its effects can be dampened down.

The Guardian - Opinion

Economic activity may be dampened too, which may weigh on equity markets.

The Economist

Mechanical noise may be dampened by altering mechanical components of turbines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Will the euphoria of the Winnipeg Jets' rebirth be dampened by continued misery in Phoenix?

The New York Times - Sports

The report says that some effects can be dampened by investments in public health, agricultural technology and infrastructure.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be dampened", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reduced in intensity. For instance, "Enthusiasm can be dampened by setbacks."

Common error

Avoid using "be dampened" to describe making physical objects slightly wet. The phrase is better suited for abstract concepts like enthusiasm or noise levels. Use "moistened" or "wetted" for physical dampening.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be dampened" functions as a passive construction indicating that something is having its intensity, force, or enthusiasm reduced. Ludwig AI's examples showcase its usage across various contexts where a lessening effect is described.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be dampened" is a versatile expression used to describe a reduction in intensity, enthusiasm, or effect. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "be diminished" or "be lessened" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid using "be dampened" for physical objects getting wet; instead, reserve it for abstract concepts. Ultimately, understanding its proper context will help you effectively communicate the idea of something being reduced or lessened in impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be diminished

Focuses on a reduction in size, extent, or importance.

be lessened

Emphasizes a decrease in amount, degree, or intensity.

be reduced

Highlights the act of making something smaller or less.

be mitigated

Emphasizes the reduction of the severity or impact of something negative.

be curtailed

Suggests a restriction or limitation imposed on something.

be weakened

Focuses on a loss of strength, power, or effectiveness.

be tempered

Suggests a moderation or balancing of something extreme.

be suppressed

Implies the forceful prevention or inhibition of something.

be subdued

Indicates a state of being quiet, restrained, or under control.

be softened

Implies a reduction in harshness, intensity, or severity.

FAQs

How can I use "be dampened" in a sentence?

"Be dampened" is used to describe a reduction in intensity or enthusiasm. For example, "The festive mood was dampened by the news".

What are some alternatives to "be dampened"?

You can use alternatives like "be lessened", "be diminished", or "be reduced" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the sound was dampened"?

Yes, it is correct. "The sound was dampened" means the sound's intensity was reduced, often through specific materials or techniques.

What's the difference between "be dampened" and "be suppressed"?

"Be dampened" implies a reduction in intensity, while "be suppressed" suggests a complete prevention or forceful stopping of something.