Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Made quieter or less clear: Describes a sound that has been made softer, less loud, or less distinct, often because it is blocked or dampened by something.
   • Wrapped or covered for protection or secrecy: Describes something, especially a person or body part, that is closely wrapped or covered, typically with thick fabric.

Usage and Examples

• Describing a sound:

  • We could hear the muffled sound of music coming from the apartment next door.
  • His voice was muffled by the thick door.
  • The witness gave a muffled cry before falling silent.

• Describing something wrapped or covered:

  • The children, muffled in scarves and hats, played in the snow.
  • She kept her hands muffled in the pockets of her heavy coat.

Advanced Usage

• "Muffled by": Used to indicate the thing that causes the sound to become quieter or less clear.
  • The announcement was muffled by the noise of the crowd.
• "Muffled in": Used to indicate the material used for wrapping or covering.
  • The figure was muffled in a dark cloak.

Variants and Related Words

• Muffle (verb): To make a sound quieter or less clear; to wrap or cover for warmth.
  • She used a pillow to muffle her sobs.
  • He muffled the baby in a soft blanket.
• Muffler (noun): A device used to reduce noise, especially on a vehicle; a scarf worn for warmth.
• Muffling (noun/adj): The act of making something quieter; having the effect of muffling.

Synonyms

• Muted: (of a sound or voice) quiet and soft.
• Stifled: Suppressed or muffled.
• Dulled: Made less intense or clear.
• Softened: Made less loud or harsh.
• Subdued: (of light or color) soft; (of sound) low.

Antonyms

• Clear: (of a sound) distinct and easily perceived.
• Loud: Producing or capable of producing much noise.
• Resonant: (of a sound) deep, clear, and continuing to sound or ring.
• Unmistakable: Not able to be mistaken for anything else; very clear.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• A muffled roar/thud/boom: A common collocation describing a deep, heavy sound that is not sharp or clear.
  • A muffled thud came from the room above.
• In muffled tones: Speaking quietly and unclearly.
  • They spoke in muffled tones so the children wouldn't hear.

Adjective

1. wrapped up especially for protection or secrecy
   • children muffled almost to the eyebrows
2. being or made softer or less loud or clear
   • the dull boom of distant breaking waves
   • muffled drums
   • the muffled noises of the street
   • muted trumpets