muted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "muted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been silenced or made less intense, often in the context of sound or color. Example: "The colors in the painting were muted, giving it a soft and calming effect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such is the affection for Stuart Pearce in these parts, the opprobrium of the Nottingham Forest supporters on the final whistle was muted and delivered as much in sorrow as in anger, but their patience with the manager must be wearing thin.

The Guardian - Sport

After the whiteness and midnight markets of neighbouring El Jadida, the colours were muted.

The Guardian - Travel

"I try not to watch it that much," she says, her voice muted by the swell of the room, "because I think of all my elderly that's been taken away … it changed our cycle of life and how we live".

The Guardian - Film

Traditionally at the forefront of social protest, and frequently on both sides of any debate, in this confrontation their voices appear to have been muted.

The Guardian

When Cook brought Mayberry into the studio to record a few guide vocals, they muted their own voices and Chvrches (so spelt to make the band more Googleable) were born.

The Guardian - Music

Though it was unusual for people to disappear on the streets of Ipswich - Suffolk has one of the lowest crime rates in the country - the police response was muted.

The Guardian

I heard that Reunion broadcast, too: I'd met some of the strikers, but instead of feeling excited, like Woolley, instead of hearing this as a triumphant story, I heard a narrative that has been muted.

The Guardian

Now, as they prepare for the second leg of a vital Champions League qualifier with FC Zeta - after a first leg that, desptie the 2-0 win, ranks among the club's worst European performances - the bombast is muted and Murray's summation of the club's fortunes drably pragmatic: "If we are in the Champions League we make £5m, if not we lose £5m".

The Guardian - Sport

It charts the violent death, in 1946 rural Kent, of a middle-aged reclusive woman, at a time when Britain's celebratory mood is muted by privation and rationing.

The Guardian - Books

After last quarter's stumble, annual growth in exports recovered to 7.1% seasonally adjusted: And because the rise in imports was muted (they even fell in seasonally adjusted terms), net exports grew strongly and contributed 0.8 percentage points to quarterly GDP growth.

The Guardian - Business

The atmosphere outside the AKP's headquarters in Ankara was muted.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "muted" to indicate a less intense emotional response or reaction, suggesting a sense of composure or restraint.

Common error

Avoid using "muted" to describe situations that are inherently dramatic or intense. "Muted" implies a reduction or suppression of something, so it's inappropriate for scenarios that are already heightened or require more forceful language.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "muted" is as an adjective, often used to describe a state of reduced intensity or expression. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage aligns with standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "muted" functions primarily as an adjective, commonly employed across diverse contexts such as news, formal writing, and scientific discourse. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase adheres to standard grammatical conventions. Its primary function is to convey a sense of reduction or restraint, suggesting that something is less intense or expressive. Although it appears most frequently in news and media sources, its versatility allows for broader application, particularly when describing subdued colors, sounds, or emotions. While generally appropriate, avoid using "muted" in scenarios that demand a more forceful or dramatic tone. Instead, consider alternatives like "subdued" or "restrained" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subdued

Implies a less intense or prominent quality, often in terms of light, color, or mood.

softened

Suggests a reduction in harshness or intensity, making something gentler or milder.

toned down

Indicates a deliberate reduction in intensity, often to make something more acceptable or subtle.

dampened

Implies a reduction in intensity or enthusiasm, often suggesting a temporary suppression.

hushed

Refers to a quiet or silenced state, often in the context of sound or activity.

restrained

Suggests a controlled or limited expression of something, often emotions or behavior.

understated

Implies a subtle or subtle quality, often used to describe something that lacks ostentation.

low-key

Indicates a relaxed or inconspicuous approach, often in terms of events or activities.

dulled

Refers to a reduction in sharpness, brightness, or intensity, often implying a loss of vitality.

silenced

Suggests a complete suppression of sound or expression, often through external force or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "muted" in a sentence?

You can use "muted" to describe colors, sounds, or emotions that are softened or suppressed. For example, "The painting featured "muted colors"", or "Her response was "muted by shock"".

What are some synonyms for "muted"?

Alternatives to "muted" include "subdued", "softened", "toned down", or "restrained", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the response was muted"?

Yes, saying "the response was muted" is grammatically correct. It means the response was not strong or expressive, perhaps indicating a lack of enthusiasm or surprise.

What's the difference between "muted" and "silenced"?

"Muted" implies a reduction in intensity or expression, while "silenced" suggests a complete suppression or prevention of expression. "Muted" is less absolute than "silenced".