What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
murmur
Example
The murmur of the river was soothing to the ears. [murmur: noun]
Example
She murmured her apologies under her breath. [murmured: verb]
whisper
Example
She whispered the secret in my ear. [whispered: verb]
Example
The teacher spoke in a whisper to avoid disturbing the sleeping child. [whisper: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Whisper is more commonly used than murmur in everyday language. Whisper is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while murmur is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between murmur and whisper?
Both murmur and whisper are typically associated with an informal or casual tone. However, whisper can also be used in formal settings to convey a sense of confidentiality or urgency.
