Definitions and Examples of whisper, murmur, mumble
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To speak very softly or quietly, using the breath rather than the voice.
Example
She had to whisper in the library so as not to disturb other people who were studying.
To speak in a low, indistinct voice, often with a gentle, continuous sound.
Example
The students began to murmur among themselves when they heard that the test had been postponed.
To speak in a low, unclear way, often with the mouth partly closed.
Example
He tends to mumble when he's nervous, so it can be hard to understand what he's saying.
Key Differences: whisper vs murmur vs mumble
- 1Whisper is the quietest of the three, and implies a secretive or confidential tone.
- 2Murmur suggests a soft, continuous sound, often used to describe the sound of a crowd or a stream.
- 3Mumble implies a lack of clarity or articulation, and can be used to describe someone who is difficult to understand.
Effective Usage of whisper, murmur, mumble
- 1Enhance Communication: Use whisper, murmur, and mumble to convey different levels of volume and tone.
- 2Show Empathy: Incorporate antonyms in conversations to demonstrate understanding of different emotional states.
- 3Enrich Storytelling: Utilize these antonyms in narratives to create varied moods and atmospheres.
Remember this!
The antonyms have distinct nuances: Whisper conveys secrecy, murmur suggests a soft, continuous sound, and mumble implies a lack of clarity. Use these words to enhance communication, show empathy in conversations, and enrich storytelling by creating varied moods and atmospheres.