Subdued

/səbˈdjuːd/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To bring under control, to reduce in intensity or strength.

The police were called to subdue the unruly crowd.

To make less intense or forceful.

She tried to subdue her excitement as she awaited the announcement.

adjective

Quiet and rather reflective or depressed.

Her subdued demeanor made it clear that she was not in the mood to celebrate.

Less intense; softened in tone or effect.

The artist chose a subdued color palette for the painting to evoke a sense of calm.

Controlled or restrained, especially in terms of emotions or behavior.

The audience's subdued applause indicated their mixed feelings about the performance.

Late Middle English, from Old French 'subduire', from Latin 'subducere'.

subdued atmosphere:

A calm and less energetic mood.

subdued colors:

Colors that are toned down or not bright.

subdued reaction:

A response that is calm and not exuberant.

Downer

That movie was such a downer, it really left me feeling subdued.

Chill

After the big fight, he was really chill and subdued the rest of the night.