The word "muted" has several meanings, depending on its context.
1) If used in reference to sound or noise, it means reduced or diminished in volume, often intentionally so as a result of muting an audio signal. For example, if you turn down the volume of your television, it is said to be muted.
2) In terms of color, "muted" refers to soft and subdued shades that lack brightness or intensity. This can describe colors such as grays, browns, blues, greens, etc., which are not vibrant but rather have a dull appearance.
3) Finally, the word "muted" is also used figuratively to mean suppressed, restrained, or held back in some way. For example, if someone's emotions are muted, it means they are showing little or no strong emotion despite what might be considered a reason for doing so.
Overall, the word "muted" can refer to something that is reduced in volume, soft and subdued in color, or held back in some way.