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

Other Word Forms

• subduedly adverb
• subduedness noun
• half-subdued adjective
• self-subdued adjective
• unsubdued adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of subdued¹

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

Example Sentences

Next year’s earnings could reach an all-time high, with alumina prices expected to stay subdued as new global capacity comes on stream, he says.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The commission is not alone in expecting global economic growth to be subdued.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

However, he expects aluminum prices to remain elevated as global production stays subdued.

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The subdued global growth environment supports a muted outlook for broad commodity returns, but precious metals should outperform.

Read more on Barron's

SIA is also expected to face continued yield pressure and cargo volatility, with profitability likely to remain subdued in the near term.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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