muffled

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Word: Muffled

Part of Speech: Adjective

Basic Definition: The word "muffled" describes something that is wrapped up or covered, making it softer, quieter, or less clear. It can refer to sounds that are not very loud or are somewhat blocked, as well as things that are wrapped tightly for warmth or protection.

Usage Instructions:

1. Describing Sounds: Use "muffled" when talking about sounds that are not clear or are quieter than usual.
2. Describing Objects: Use "muffled" to describe something that is wrapped up tightly, often to keep warm or to keep something hidden.

Examples:

• Sound Usage: "I could hear the muffled sounds of laughter coming from the next room." (This means the laughter was quiet and not very clear.)
• Object Usage: "He wore a muffled scarf around his neck to keep warm." (This means the scarf was wrapped tightly around his neck.)

Advanced Usage:

"Muffled" can also suggest a sense of secrecy or protection. For example, when someone speaks in a muffled voice, it may imply that they do not want others to hear them clearly.

Word Variants:

• Muffle (verb): To make something quieter or to wrap something up.
  • Example: "She tried to muffle her cries with a pillow."
• Muffling (noun): The act of making something softer or quieter.
  • Example: "The muffling of the sounds outside helped her concentrate."

Different Meanings:

1. Sound: Something that is less loud or clear (e.g., muffled voices, muffled music).
2. Protection: Something wrapped up for warmth or safety (e.g., muffled up in blankets).

Synonyms:

• Softened
• Muted
• Dull
• Stifled
• Quieted

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "muffled" itself does not have specific idioms or phrasal verbs, you might find expressions that relate to sound or silence, such as: - "Muffled up in your thoughts" - meaning someone is lost in deep thought, not paying attention to what’s happening around them.

Summary:

In summary, "muffled" is an adjective that can describe sounds that are less loud or clear and objects that are wrapped up for warmth or protection.

Academic

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

Synonyms

• dull
• muted
• softened