English vocabulary · B2
Muffle
/ˈmʌfəl/ · v.
It means to make a sound quieter. Something covers the sound, so it is soft and unclear.
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Example sentences
- She muffled the alarm with a thick pillow.
- Snow muffled every footstep on the street.
Word origin and roots
from Old French
- moufle — thick glove (from Old French)
Synonyms and nuances
- SOFTEN — make less strong (Gentle & General)
- DAMPEN — weaken sound or energy (Reduce Strength)
- MUTE — turn sound off (Silence Completely)
Similar words
- soften
- dampen
- mute
Lesson notes
Muffle. It means to make a sound quieter. Something covers the sound, so it is soft and unclear.
Related: soften, dampen, mute. Use muffle when a cover makes sound quiet.
She muffled the alarm with a thick pillow. Snow muffled every footstep on the street.
From Old French. Moufle- means thick glove. A thick glove over a bell makes the ring soft — that is muffle.