What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
muted
Example
The walls were painted a muted shade of blue. [muted: adjective]
Example
He spoke in a muted tone so as not to wake the baby. [muted: adjective]
Example
She gave a muted response to the news, not showing much emotion. [muted: adjective]
soft
Example
The blanket was soft and cozy. [soft: adjective]
Example
The music playing in the background was soft and soothing. [soft: adjective]
Example
She gave him a soft smile, letting him know she understood. [soft: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Soft is more commonly used than muted in everyday language. Soft is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while muted is less common and is typically used in specific contexts such as describing colors or sounds.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between muted and soft?
Both muted and soft can be used in formal and informal contexts, but muted may be perceived as more formal due to its association with specific fields such as art or design.
