Vocafy, efficient language learning Vocafy, efficient language learning
0 English - Dictionary monolingual

Subdued

ˌsəbˈd(j)ud
Common
~ 4500
~ 4500, Common
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Quiet and rather reflective or depressed, Restrained in style or quality, To bring under control or subdue physically

Subdued - Meanings

Quiet and rather reflective or depressed

Example: After the loss of his pet, he was subdued for weeks.
Usage: formalContext: emotional situations
Note: Used to describe someone who is feeling down or low-spirited.

Restrained in style or quality

Example: The artist chose a subdued color palette for her painting.
Usage: formalContext: artistic or design contexts
Note: Refers to something that is understated or not flashy.

To bring under control or subdue physically

Example: The security team subdued the intruder before he could cause harm.
Usage: formalContext: security or law enforcement situations
Note: Often used in the context of controlling a person or situation.

Subdued's synonyms

Muted

Muted means softened in tone or color, not harsh or bright.
Example: The muted colors of the painting created a calming atmosphere.
Note: Muted specifically refers to tones or colors being softened, while subdued can also refer to behavior or emotions.

Tame

Tame means not wild or difficult to control, subdued in behavior.
Example: The once wild horse became tame after months of training.
Note: Tame is often used to describe animals or behavior that has been trained or domesticated, while subdued is more general in its application.

Quiet

Quiet means making little or no noise, calm and peaceful.
Example: The library was quiet, with only the sound of pages turning.
Note: Quiet specifically refers to the absence of noise, while subdued can also imply a sense of restraint or moderation.

Repressed

Repressed means restrained, suppressed, or held back.
Example: Her repressed emotions finally surfaced after years of bottling them up.
Note: Repressed often implies a more psychological or emotional suppression, while subdued can have a broader application to various aspects of behavior or expression.

Subdued expressions, common phrases

Keep a low profile

To avoid attracting attention or standing out.
Example: After the incident, he decided to keep a low profile at work.
Note: This phrase emphasizes being discreet or not drawing attention to oneself, whereas 'subdued' focuses on a quiet or restrained manner.

Fly under the radar

To go unnoticed or remain inconspicuous.
Example: She prefers to fly under the radar and not be in the spotlight.
Note: Similar to 'keep a low profile,' this phrase highlights staying unnoticed or unseen rather than being subdued in behavior or manner.

Lay low

To stay out of sight or avoid attention for a while.
Example: He decided to lay low until the situation calmed down.
Note: This phrase suggests staying hidden or inactive temporarily, unlike 'subdued,' which implies a general sense of quiet or restrained behavior.

Tone it down

To reduce the intensity or volume of something.
Example: The party was getting too loud, so they had to tone it down.
Note: While 'subdued' generally means quiet or restrained, 'tone it down' specifically refers to reducing the level of something, such as noise or behavior.

Take the back seat

To adopt a less prominent or active role.
Example: She decided to take the back seat and let others lead the project.
Note: This phrase focuses on being less involved or taking a less visible position, rather than on the quietness or restraint implied by 'subdued.'

Play it cool

To act calm and composed, especially in a challenging or exciting situation.
Example: Even though he was excited, he tried to play it cool during the meeting.
Note: While 'subdued' suggests a general sense of being quiet or controlled, 'play it cool' specifically emphasizes maintaining a calm and collected demeanor.

Keep it down

To lower the volume or noise level.
Example: The neighbors asked them to keep it down after midnight.
Note: Similar to 'tone it down,' this phrase focuses on reducing noise or volume, rather than on the overall quietness or restraint associated with 'subdued.'

Subdued everyday (slang) expressions

Mellow out

To relax, calm down, or become less anxious or agitated.
Example: I think you need to mellow out a bit and stop stressing over everything.
Note: This term emphasizes a more gradual and less active way of being calm compared to the more immediate nature of being subdued.

Chillax

A combination of 'chill' and 'relax', meaning to calm down or unwind in a laid-back manner.
Example: Hey, why don't you just chillax and enjoy the weekend?
Note: This slang term combines two words to create a more casual and modern expression for calming down compared to the formal nature of being subdued.

Take it easy

To relax or not exert oneself too much; to proceed in a relaxed and unworried manner.
Example: Don't worry about it too much, just take it easy.
Note: This phrase suggests a more carefree and less intense approach to calming down compared to the controlled nature of being subdued.

Chill out

To calm down, relax, or not get upset or stressed.
Example: Why are you getting so worked up? Just chill out, man.
Note: This slang term emphasizes a more immediate and abrupt way of being calm compared to the more restrained nature of being subdued.

Take a breather

To take a short break or pause in order to relax and regain composure.
Example: I need to take a breather before I tackle this project again.
Note: This expression suggests a temporary break or relaxation period to recharge, differing from the ongoing state of being subdued.

Cool off

To calm down, relax, or reduce one's anger or frustration.
Example: You seem really upset right now, why don't you take a walk and cool off?
Note: This term implies actively lowering one's emotional temperature, contrasting with the overall calmness of being subdued.

Unwind

To relax, de-stress, or loosen up after a period of tension or effort.
Example: After a long day at work, I like to unwind by listening to music.
Note: This term focuses on releasing tension or stress through relaxation compared to the controlled demeanor of being subdued.

Subdued - Examples

The room was subdued, with only a few candles providing dim light.
She spoke in a subdued tone, not wanting to wake the sleeping baby.
The subdued colors of the painting gave it a peaceful and calming effect.

Subdued grammar

Subdued - Verb (Verb) / Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense)
Lemma: subdue
Conjugations
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): subdued
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): subduing
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): subdues
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): subdue
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): subdue
Syllables, Separation and Stress
subdued Contains 2 syllables: sub • dued
Phonetic transcription: səb-ˈdüd
sub dued , səb ˈdüd (The red syllable is stressed)

Subdued - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
subdued: ~ 4500 (Common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Back