What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mumble
Example
He tends to mumble when he's nervous. [mumble: verb]
Example
I couldn't hear what she was saying because she was mumbling. [mumbling: gerund or present participle]
murmur
Example
She murmured a lullaby to the baby. [murmur: verb]
Example
The murmur of the river was soothing to my ears. [murmur: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mumble is more commonly used than murmur in everyday language, especially in contexts where unclear speech is a problem. Murmur is less common but can be used intentionally for effect or to convey a sense of calmness.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mumble and murmur?
Both mumble and murmur are informal words and are not typically used in formal settings. However, murmur may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its association with calmness and soothing tones.
