muddied

Describes something that has been made muddy or unclear; can be used literally (covered in mud) or figuratively (made confused or obscure).

• 🇩🇪Beschreibt etwas, das schmutzig oder unklar geworden ist; kann wörtlich (mit Schlamm bedeckt) oder übertragen (verworren oder unklar) verwendet werden.

1. Made dirty with mud B1 formal

   Covered or stained with mud.

   • The hiker's boots were completely muddied after the walk.
   • The dog ran inside with muddied paws.
   • The field was muddied from the heavy rain.

   🇩🇪Verschmutzt mit Schlamm

   Synonyme: muckymuddysoiledspatteredsplashed

   Antonyme: cleanpristinewashed

2. Made unclear or confused B2 formal

   Made something less clear, pure, or simple; often used figuratively.

   • The debate was muddied by irrelevant arguments.
   • His reputation was muddied by the false accusations.
   • The original message was muddied by poor translation.

   🇩🇪Getrübt

   Synonyme: befuddledblurredcloudedcomplicatedconfusedfoggedmuddledtangled

   Antonyme: clearedsimplified

3. Dull or impure in color B2 formal

   Having a color that is not bright or clear, often due to mixing or impurities.

   • The painting had a muddied palette of browns and grays.
   • The once vibrant blue became muddied after the spill.
   • The water appeared muddied and opaque.

   🇩🇪Trüb

   Synonyme: cloudydingydrabdullfadedlusterlessmuddymurkyturbid

   Antonyme: brightclearvivid

• more muddied comparative form
• most muddied superlative form

A verb used to indicate the act of making something unclear, confusing, or dirty, often used figuratively.

• 🇩🇪Verb, das bezeichnet, etwas unklar, verworren oder schmutzig zu machen; wird oft im übertragenen Sinn verwendet.

1. Make dirty with mud B1 formal

   To cover or stain something with mud, making it dirty.

   • The children muddied their shoes while playing in the garden.
   • He accidentally muddied the clean floor with his boots.
   • The rain muddied the path, making it slippery.

   🇩🇪Mit Schlamm beschmutzen

   Synonyme: begrimebemirecakedirtymiresmearsoilsplatterstainsully

   Antonyme: cleanpurifywash

2. Cause to become unclear or confused B2 formal

   To make a situation, issue, or idea less clear or more confusing.

   • His vague statements only muddied the discussion.
   • The new evidence muddied the waters of the investigation.
   • Don't muddy the issue with irrelevant details.

   🇩🇪Verwirren

   Synonyme: blurcloudcomplicateconfusefogmuddleobfuscateobscure

   Antonyme: clarifyclearelucidateexplainilluminate

3. Make water or liquid turbid B2 formal

   To stir up sediment in a liquid, making it cloudy or unclear.

   • The heavy rain muddied the river water.
   • Walking through the pond muddied the clear water.
   • The storm muddied the lake, reducing visibility.

   🇩🇪Trüben

   Synonyme: agitatebefoulchurnclouddirtyfoulroilstir up

   Antonyme: clarifyfilterpurify

• muddied past participle
• muddied past simple
• muddying present participle
• muddies third person singular

Phrasal-Varianten: muddy up