Question

Fill in the blank with one of the following words.
I couldn't hear what they were saying. Their voices were _______.
A) Muffled
B) Booming
C) Hoarse
D) Rough

Answer 1

Hint:
- The word must mean something that is close to sound that is not audible.
- The sound can be neither quiet nor clear.
- Some synonyms of the word include obscured, suppressed, stifled, muted etc..

Complete answer:
In questions like fill in the blanks where different options are provided, one must carefully analyse the meanings of the different words that are given in order to extract the right meaning of the word that will match in the provided blank.

The word muffled means not easy to hear because it is blocked or obstructed by something else.
For example: He could tell she was crying because of her muffled voice.

Let us analyze the given options:
A) The meaning of the word muffled is not loud because it is being obstructed in some way. Muffled voices cannot be heard. Thus, Option A is the correct answer.
B) The meaning of the word booming is loud, deep and resonant. For the voice to not be heard, it cannot be booming. Hence, Option B is incorrect.
C) Sounding rough and harsh is the meaning of the word hoarse. Hoarse sounds can also be heard. Thus, Option C is also incorrect.
D) The meaning of the word rough is harsh and rasping, which also makes the sound to be heard. Thus, Option D is also incorrect.

Therefore the correct answer is option ‘A’.

Note:
- Aside from sound, the term also refers to covering up for warmth. Everyone, for example, was bundled up in coats and scarves.
- Some antonyms for muffled include thudding, loud, dense, and so on.
- Other interpretations include A kiln or furnace, usually electric, that does not use direct flames (a muffle furnace), In ruminants, the bare end of the nose between the nostrils.