muffled
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- wrapped up especially for protection or secrecy
- children muffled almost to the eyebrows
- 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