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

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

From Los Angeles Times

“Dan could have easily put me in a gown that was a little more subdued; he stuck with the pattern but kept a nonthreatening silhouette. It’s a sweet cap sleeve,” Preston says.

From Los Angeles Times

In certain parts of the city, you can go about your day, almost blocking out the threat of airstrikes down the street and ignoring the prevalent mood of subdued fear.

From Los Angeles Times

The victim’s screams ultimately saved him, as a bystander stepped in, subdued the attacker and held him at bay for the remaining three hours until the assailant was arrested upon landing, the agent alleged.

From Los Angeles Times

County prosecutors, the other agent disarmed and physically subdued Young, who was ordered to surrender his gun and soon retired, ending his 25-year career.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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