subdued

[ suhb-dood, -dyood ]

adjective

1. quiet; inhibited; repressed; controlled:

   After the argument he was much more subdued.

2. lowered in intensity or strength; reduced in fullness of tone, as a color or voice; muted:

   subdued light; wallpaper in subdued greens.

3. (of land) not marked by any striking features, as mountains or cliffs:

   a subdued landscape.

subdued

/ səbˈdjuːd /

adjective

1. cowed, passive, or shy
2. gentle or quiet

   a subdued whisper

3. (of colours, etc) not harsh or bright

   subdued lighting

Derived Forms

• subˈduedness, noun
• subˈduedly, adverb

Other Words From

• sub·duedly adverb
• sub·duedness noun
• half-sub·dued adjective
• self-sub·dued adjective
• unsub·dued adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of subdued¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; subdue + -ed ²

Example Sentences

“Her subdued whisper tones almost sit at odds with the crushing production, and the juxtaposition between the two drew us in immediately. It’s something we felt we had never heard before, which excites us more than anything.”

From Los Angeles Times

The economy grew by just 0.1% over the period, and the Office for National Statistics said activity was subdued across most industries.

From BBC

England subdued the atmosphere from the start, mixing calm possession with pace in attack, especially down the flanks, setting the tone for Carsley's finest night.

From BBC

The show’s straightforward animation and subdued color palette are also important.

From Los Angeles Times

Zuckerberg isn’t the only billionaire tech founder whose personal style has evolved in recent years, having shed the traditional minimalism and subdued hues we’ve come to expect from business leaders for a flashier wardrobe befitting an A-list artist or entertainer.

From Salon

Related Words

• hushed
• low-key
• mellow
• muted
• restrained
• sober
• solemn
• unobtrusive