subdued (adj.)

c. 1600, "subjugated," past-participle adjective from subdue. Meaning "calmed down, reduced in intensity" is recorded from 1822.

Entries linking to subdued

subdue (v.)

late 14c., "to conquer and reduce to subjection," from Old French souduire, but this meant "deceive, seduce," from Latin subducere "draw away, lead away, carry off; withdraw" (see subduce). The primary sense in English seems to have been taken in Anglo-French from Latin subdere and attached to this word. Related: Subdued; subduing. As an associated noun, subdual is attested from 1670s (subduction having acquired other senses).

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Definitions of subdued

subdued (adj.)

in a softened tone;

a subdued whisper

Synonyms: hushed / muted / quiet

subdued (adj.)

restrained in style or quality;

Synonyms: low-key / low-keyed

subdued (adj.)

quieted and brought under control;

children were subdued and silent

subdued (adj.)

not brilliant or glaring;

subdued lighting

Synonyms: soft

subdued (adj.)

lacking in light; not bright or harsh;

subdued lights and soft music

Synonyms: dim

From wordnet.princeton.edu

Dictionary entries near subdued

subdominant

subduce

subduct

subduction

subdue

subdued

subfusc

sub-giant

subgroup

subhead

subhuman