become subdued

[/bɪˈkʌm səbˈduːd/]
verb phrase
ficar abatido; tornar-se apagado; acalmar-se
1. to become quieter, less energetic, or less bright in appearance or demeanor
After hearing the bad news, her mood became subdued.
Depois de ouvir as más notícias, seu humor ficou abatido.
2. to lose intensity, enthusiasm, or liveliness
The party's energy became subdued as the night went on.
A energia da festa se tornou apagada conforme a noite avançava.
3. to become controlled or suppressed in expression
His voice became subdued when discussing the sensitive topic.
Sua voz ficou contida ao discutir o assunto sensível.
In both Brazilian and American contexts, 'become subdued' is commonly used to describe emotional shifts, particularly in response to disappointing news or somber situations. In Brazil, this phrase often carries connotations of losing one's typical warmth and expressiveness, which are highly valued in social interactions. In the USA, it's frequently used in professional and literary contexts to describe mood changes or atmospheric shifts.
NYC Slang
lose one's spark; get all quiet-like; come down from the high
Synonyms / Sinônimos
become quietcalm downbecome melancholylose vigorbecome mutedbecome reserved
Antonyms / Antônimos
become animatedbecome vibrantbecome energeticliven upbrighten up

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ficar abatido; tornar-se apagado
most common usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
ficar com o moral baixo; desanimar
emphasizes loss of spirit or morale
São Paulo
perder o ânimo; ficar mais retraído
focuses on loss of enthusiasm and withdrawal
Portugal
tornar-se apagado; ficar mais calado
emphasizes becoming quieter and less visible

Related Words

subduedsubdualsubduequietmutedrestrainedcontemplative

Related Idioms & Phrases

take the wind out of someone's sails
rain on someone's parade
bring someone down
dampen someone's spirits
cast a shadow over something
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