kind of muted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of muted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is somewhat subdued or less intense, often in reference to colors, sounds, or emotions. Example: "The colors in the painting are kind of muted, giving it a soft and calming effect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"It's kind of muted, quieter.

The New Yorker

It has an eerie feel to it, a kind of muted longing.

The Guardian - Music

Perhaps this is just the kind of muted exercise that used to make other nations shudder when it was conducted by Germany or Italy.

The Guardian - Sport

It cannot be that one fleeting misjudgment obliterates a person's entire mindset, casting them out into some kind of muted feminist wilderness, never allowed to pass comment again.

The Guardian - Opinion

That sentence is a fair sample of Asaro's prose, which aspires to poetry but usually settles for a kind of muted bombast.

The New York Times - Books

The Chicago audience is a sophisticated lot, but at intermission Mr. Carter's piece seemed to have stunned it into a kind of muted incomprehension.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Everyone working here, firefighters, engineers, machinery operators, has a kind of muted-dedication to the work, with none of the pomp of the army.

Vice

"The market's reaction has been kind of a muted," he said.

The New York Times

A "sort of muted sexual uproar" was one of them.

The New York Times - Books

And then the Chorus begins a kind of prayer a muted chant.

The New York Times

Director Biyi Bandele's eye is awash with magic, but also with a kind of nostalgia, a muted love, a looking back at a country to which this film is both a love letter and a rebuke.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "kind of muted" with specific adjectives to enhance its descriptive power. For example, "kind of muted green" or "kind of muted sadness" provides a more vivid and nuanced portrayal.

Common error

While "kind of muted" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated synonyms such as "subdued", "restrained", or "understated" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of muted" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically used to describe a noun by attributing a quality of being somewhat subdued or less intense. Ludwig shows it often modifies aspects of color, sound, or emotion, adding a nuanced descriptive layer.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Arts

25%

Lifestyle

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kind of muted" serves as an adjectival modifier, indicating something is somewhat subdued or less intense. As Ludwig shows, it's commonly used in news, arts, and lifestyle contexts to describe colors, sounds, or emotions. While grammatically correct and widely used, it's important to avoid overuse in formal writing, opting for more sophisticated synonyms when appropriate. According to Ludwig, "kind of muted" is a common phrase that adds a touch of subtlety and understatement to descriptive language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat subdued

Emphasizes a lessening of intensity or liveliness.

slightly softened

Focuses on a reduction in harshness or sharpness.

relatively quiet

Highlights a decrease in noise or activity level.

a bit understated

Suggests a deliberate lack of emphasis or flashiness.

mildly toned down

Implies a reduction in intensity, especially in color or emotion.

rather subtle

Indicates a quality that is delicate or not immediately obvious.

somewhat restrained

Highlights a controlled or suppressed quality.

moderately hushed

Focuses on a reduction in volume or sound level.

relatively faint

Implies a low level of audibility or visibility.

slightly dampened

Suggests a reduction in intensity or enthusiasm.

FAQs

How can I use "kind of muted" in a sentence?

You can use "kind of muted" to describe something that is somewhat subdued or less intense. For example, "The colors in the painting are "kind of muted", giving it a soft and calming effect."

What's a good alternative to "kind of muted"?

Alternatives include "somewhat subdued", "slightly softened", or "relatively quiet", depending on the specific context.

Is "kind of muted" formal or informal?

"Kind of muted" leans towards the informal side. In formal writing, consider using more precise and sophisticated synonyms like "subdued" or "restrained".

What does it mean when something is described as "kind of muted"?

It means the thing is somewhat subdued, less intense, or quieter than it could be. It implies a degree of reduction in intensity or prominence.