Question

The atmosphere at the event was subdued. The rain and impending thunderstorms had forced the crowd indoors, and both the forecast and audience looked downcast. There had been no indication from the performers if the show would be performed on the stage inside the venue, but since the concert had been intended to be performed outside on a stage that was constructed in a grassy pavilion, it would take a Herculean effort to move the event inside. After two hours of no information, a representative from the venue made his way to the stage: the concert would be moved indoors, once some of the sound equipment could be transported from the outdoor stage, and a smaller, more intimate concert would be conducted. Although the audience would not get the full experience of the outdoor production, they would have entertainment after all.

12
While the words subdued and downcast are similar in meaning, they have different connotations. Which statement best describes the difference?
A.
Subdued infers a quiet tone, while downcast infers a depressed tone.
B.
Subdued infers a soft tone, while downcast infers a heavy tone.
C.
Subdued infers an anxious tone, while downcast infers a dark tone.
D.
Subdued infers a pleasant tone, while downcast infers a sad tone.

Answer 1

A. Subdued implies quiet or restrained; downcast implies sad or depressed.