Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Colors (New!) Easter eggs (New!)

Literary notes about muted (AI summary)

The term "muted" serves as a versatile tool in literature, often invoked to evoke a sense of softness or suppression across sensory experiences. Writers use it to describe sounds diminished to a gentle presence, whether it’s the quiet hush of a closing door filtering out city clamor ([1]) or the hushed resonance of muted trumpets directing a reflective musical theme ([2]). Beyond auditory imagery, the adjective also charms by painting visual subtleties, as seen in descriptions of subdued water-tones and quiet hues that lend an air of delicate restraint ([3], [4]). In dialogue and character portrayal, a muted voice conveys intimacy or secrecy, suggesting that what is unsaid carries its own weight of meaning ([5], [6], [7]). Thus, through its application to sounds, colors, and voices alike, "muted" enriches narratives by invoking layers of controlled intensity and reflective melancholy.
  1. The automatic hush of the door shutting out the muted street sounds was all too familiar.
    — from Second Sight by Basil Wells
  2. The muted trumpet blows a strain (to trembling strings) that takes us back to the first (quoted) tune of the symphony in the wistful mood of dawn.
    — from Symphonies and Their Meaning; Third Series, Modern Symphonies by Philip H. (Philip Henry) Goepp
  3. 44 full-page plates display swirling lines and muted colors typical of Art Nouveau.
    — from Life Histories of North American Wood Warblers, Part One and Part Two by Arthur Cleveland Bent
  4. A talented nephew of Hanxi's painted glowing murals; Embelsira's mother wove rugs and draperies in muted water-tones.
    — from Sentry of the Sky by Evelyn E. Smith
  5. “Swear be all’s blew you saw me runnin’ towards Castle Knock,” came the voice, muted and confidential.
    — from Patsy by H. De Vere (Henry De Vere) Stacpoole
  6. “Is the ould gintleman a-bed?” asked Mr Murphy, in the tone of a fellow-conspirator, and speaking in a half-muted, confidential voice.
    — from Patsy by H. De Vere (Henry De Vere) Stacpoole
  7. “If not,” was uttered with a sort of muted vehemence, “there's another thing you can do.
    — from Sandra Belloni (originally Emilia in England) — Complete by George Meredith

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Compound Your Joy