What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grumbling
Example
The employees were grumbling about the new policy. [grumbling: verb]
Example
I could hear the grumbling of the generator from the other room. [grumbling: noun]
murmuring
Example
The couple was murmuring sweet nothings to each other. [murmuring: verb]
Example
The murmuring of the leaves in the wind was soothing. [murmuring: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grumbling is more commonly used than murmuring in everyday language. Grumbling is often used to describe complaints or dissatisfaction, while murmuring is more specific and is used to describe soft speech or the sound of nature.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between grumbling and murmuring?
Both grumbling and murmuring are informal words, but murmuring can be used in more formal contexts, such as poetry or literature, to create a calming or intimate atmosphere.
