Which word means 'softened, subdued'?

Which word means 'softened, subdued'?

• A. Muted
• B. Elusive
• C. Discriminate
• D. Snide

Answer: (A)

Softened, subdued describes something kept in check or less intense—like a color that isn’t bright or a voice that isn’t loud. The word that fits this idea is muted, because it signals reduced vibrancy or volume and a restrained quality. You can see it in phrases like a muted color palette or a muted voice. The other words don’t carry that sense: elusive means hard to catch or define, discriminate means to distinguish or treat differently, and snide describes a cutting or mocking tone. So muted is the best fit for softened, subdued.

Softened, subdued describes something kept in check or less intense—like a color that isn’t bright or a voice that isn’t loud. The word that fits this idea is muted, because it signals reduced vibrancy or volume and a restrained quality. You can see it in phrases like a muted color palette or a muted voice. The other words don’t carry that sense: elusive means hard to catch or define, discriminate means to distinguish or treat differently, and snide describes a cutting or mocking tone. So muted is the best fit for softened, subdued.