ENGLISH
REFERENCE

muffled

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈməfəɫd// UK //mˈʌfəld// muf·fled

adj. quiet and not clear because something is blocking the sound. You use this to describe noises that sound soft or dull, like someone talking through a wall.

adj. describing a sound that is deadened, muted, or made less distinct by a physical barrier or covering. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'sound' or 'seem'.


SIMPLE

I heard muffled voices coming from the next room.

CONTEXTUAL

The thick winter snow created a muffled silence throughout the usually noisy city streets.

COMPLEX

Through the heavy oak doors, the sounds of the orchestra were muffled, reduced to a low rhythmic thrumming that barely disturbed the quiet of the hallway.

Synonyms
Usage

Typically functions as an adjective; can be used both before a noun or after a linking verb.

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