muted like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "muted like" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to compare the quietness or subdued nature of one thing to another. Example: "Her laughter was muted like a distant echo." Alternative expressions include "silenced as" and "hushed like."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

At first they sound distant and muted, like ghost instrumental lines emerging from within the ensemble texture, and when they are heard more clearly, they are fragmented, with the invitingly robust, bright-hued string lines wrapped tightly around them.

The New York Times - Arts

"The mood is potent but muted, like romantic music heard through a wall".

The New York Times

The colors are muted like voices lowered so as not to disturb a sleeper; but their melody and tone penetrate.

The New Yorker

The atmosphere of this skillful first novel, set in Los Angeles, is at once nervy and muted, like the double-edged mood that accompanies exhaustion.

The New Yorker

The big fashion picture included the return of high-button, double-breasted jackets; a vogue for silk, whether giving a sheen to cashmere or puckered into seersucker; and flashes of color, bright and muted, like orange, grass green, turquoise and lavender.

The New York Times

The tone of the narration is muted, like a held breath – Fan, before her departure, was a diver in the fish tanks, capable of extraordinary feats of free diving, which, writes Lee, left her exhausted "not by the work or holding her breath but instead from the strange exertion of pushing against the emptiness".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The noise at the Guggenheim was extreme — an application on my iPhone recorded a maximum of a hundred decibels — but never gaudy; the piece has episodes of muted, Rothko-like beauty and ends with a ghostly, ancient-sounding chant.

The New Yorker

The noise at the Guggenheim was extreme an application on my iPhone recorded a maximum of a hundred decibels but never gaudy; the piece has episodes of muted, Rothko-like beauty and ends with a ghostly, ancient-sounding chant.

The New Yorker

For gifting to older people or for formal occasions like weddings, stick to muted colours like silver, bronze, copper, white, grey, black, brown etc.

WikiHow

Clothes are simple and conservative, and muted colors like black, taupe and pink reign.

The New York Times

But this year, more muted couples like Christie Walsh and Lisa Navarro were the new standouts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "muted like" to create a vivid comparison emphasizing the subtle or subdued quality of something, enhancing the descriptive impact of your writing. For example, "The colors were muted like an old photograph."

Common error

Avoid using "muted like" excessively in formal or technical writing. While effective in creative and descriptive contexts, overuse can make your writing sound less precise. Opt for more direct and specific adjectives when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "muted like" functions as a simile, using "like" to draw a comparison between something and a state of being muted. It modifies nouns or describes situations, adding descriptive depth. The provided examples, as confirmed by Ludwig, demonstrate the phrase's use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Social Media

10%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "muted like" functions as a simile to create vivid sensory impressions, indicating a subdued or softened quality. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usage across diverse contexts. While its register is primarily neutral, it adapts well to descriptive and creative writing. As highlighted by Ludwig, you should be aware of overuse in formal situations. Consider alternatives like "subdued as" or "softened like" for slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subdued as

Replaces "muted" with "subdued", emphasizing a reduction in intensity or liveliness.

softened like

Substitutes "muted" with "softened", focusing on a decrease in harshness or sharpness.

restrained as

Uses "restrained" instead of "muted", highlighting a controlled or suppressed quality.

quieted like

Replaces "muted" with "quieted", emphasizing a reduction in noise or activity.

toned down as

Substitutes "muted" with "toned down", focusing on a decrease in intensity or brightness.

hushed as

Uses "hushed" instead of "muted", stressing a state of reduced volume or sound.

dulled like

Replaces "muted" with "dulled", emphasizing a reduction in vibrancy or sharpness.

muffled as

Substitutes "muted" with "muffled", focusing on a suppressed or indistinct sound.

understated as

Uses "understated" instead of "muted", highlighting a subtle or subtle quality.

tempered like

Replaces "muted" with "tempered", emphasizing moderation or controlled intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "muted like" in a sentence?

Use "muted like" to compare something's subdued or softened quality to something else. For instance, "The music was "muted like" a distant echo", indicating the music's quietness.

What are some alternatives to "muted like"?

Consider alternatives such as "subdued as", "softened like", or "restrained as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative offers a slightly different way to describe the subdued quality.

Is there a difference between "muted like" and "muffled like"?

"Muted like" generally describes a reduction in intensity or vibrancy, while "muffled like" specifically refers to a sound being suppressed or indistinct. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

In what contexts is "muted like" most appropriate?

"Muted like" is often appropriate in descriptive writing, creative pieces, or informal communication where you want to evoke a sense of subtlety or subdued quality. However, in formal or technical writing, more precise language may be preferred.