subdued
/səbˈdjuːd/
Group 33Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Quiet and rather reflective or depressed; of color or lighting: soft and restrained GRE
Example in Context
The mood in the office was subdued after the layoffs were announced, with employees speaking in hushed tones about what the changes meant for the future.
Synonyms
quietmutedtoned down
Etymology
Led under or kept down, reflecting a quiet and restrained state.
- sub- (Latin) — under
- ducere (Latin) — to lead
Memory Aid
😶Sounds like “sub dude”
Imagine a DUDE who’s so SUBDUED, he whispers even when he’s excited — 'Hey, I just won the lottery... shhh!'
Visual Association
🌥️A soft, gray cloud gently covering the sun, creating a calm, muted atmosphere.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “subdued” mean on the GRE?
subdued (adjective) means “Quiet and rather reflective or depressed; of color or lighting: soft and restrained”. The mood in the office was subdued after the layoffs were announced, with employees speaking in hushed tones about what the changes meant for the future.
How to remember “subdued” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “subdued” sounds like “sub dude”. Imagine a DUDE who’s so SUBDUED, he whispers even when he’s excited — 'Hey, I just won the lottery... shhh!'
What are synonyms for “subdued”?
Common synonyms: quiet, muted, toned down.