くすむ

godan verb (-mu), intransitive verb

be dark; be dull; be muted

Describes colors, light, or surfaces that lack brightness or vividness; often used for faded, cloudy, or somber tones.

• この壁かべの色いろはくすんで見みえる。

  The color of this wall looks dull.

• 曇くもりの日ひは景色けしきがくすんでしまう。

  On cloudy days, the scenery becomes muted.

godan verb (-mu), intransitive verb

be unassuming; be inconspicuous; not stand out

Used for people or things that blend into the background, lack flashiness, or are deliberately low-key.

• 彼かれはパーティーでくすんでいた。

  He was inconspicuous at the party.

• その服ふくは地じ味みで、彼かの女じょの個こ性せいがくすんで見みえる。

  That outfit is plain and makes her personality seem unassuming.