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

On Friday, a subdued version of the hip-hop mogul sat emotionless and still in his chair, as the judge sentenced him to over four years in prison.

From BBC

Now, he appears before Arisu more subdued and humbled, with hair slightly grown out.

From Salon

"The global vehicle market continues to see subdued development," it said.

From BBC

A former US Marine standing nearby her in the crowd of some 3,000 people then subdued her, forcing her to miss her second shot.

From BBC

Keeping the fans subdued will be high on Europe's agenda.

From BBC

Related Words

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