What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mumbling
Example
He was mumbling something under his breath. [mumbling: verb]
Example
I couldn't hear what she was saying because she was mumbling. [mumbling: present participle]
murmuring
Example
The mother was murmuring a lullaby to her baby. [murmuring: verb]
Example
The sound of the waves murmuring in the background was very relaxing. [murmuring: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mumbling is more commonly used than murmuring in everyday language, especially in negative contexts. Murmuring is less common and often used in more positive or calming situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mumbling and murmuring?
Both mumbling and murmuring are informal words and are not typically used in formal settings. However, murmuring can be used in more formal contexts when describing soft and gentle speech.
