Grumbling: meaning, definitions and examples

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grumbling

 

[ ˈɡrʌmbəlɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

complaining

Grumbling is the act of complaining or murmuring about something in a low, discontented way. It often involves expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance without taking action to address the issue. People may grumble about various things such as work, weather, or personal relationships.

Synonyms

complaining, grunting, murmuring, muttering.

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Word Description / Examples
grumbling

When someone is expressing dissatisfaction in a quiet or subdued manner, often under their breath.

  • She kept grumbling about the long queue at the coffee shop
complaining

When someone is expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance about something openly and explicitly.

  • He was complaining loudly about the poor service in the restaurant
murmuring

When someone is speaking softly and quietly, often in an indistinct or low tone, sometimes in a secretive manner.

  • The audience started murmuring when the speaker made an unexpected statement
grunting

When someone makes low, usually unintelligible, sounds typically out of effort, frustration or discomfort.

  • The worker was grunting as he lifted the heavy boxes
muttering

When someone is speaking in a low and barely audible voice, often in a discontented or grumpy manner.

  • She was muttering to herself as she tried to find her keys

Examples of usage

  • He was grumbling about the long hours at work.
  • She grumbled under her breath about the cold weather.
  • Stop grumbling and start looking for a solution.
  • I could hear the grumbling of unhappy customers in the store.
  • The students were grumbling about the difficult assignment.

Translations

Translations of the word "grumbling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 resmungar

🇮🇳 बड़बड़ाना

🇩🇪 murren

🇮🇩 menggerutu

🇺🇦 бурчати

🇵🇱 zrzędzić

🇯🇵 ぶつぶつ言う

🇫🇷 grommeler

🇪🇸 refunfuñar

🇹🇷 homurdanmak

🇰🇷 투덜거리다

🇸🇦 تذمر

🇨🇿 bručet

🇸🇰 mrmlať

🇨🇳 抱怨

🇸🇮 godrnjati

🇮🇸 muldra

🇰🇿 күңкілдеу

🇬🇪 დუდღუნი

🇦🇿 dilənmək

🇲🇽 refunfuñar

Etymology

The word 'grumbling' has its origins in Middle English, where it was used to describe the low, indistinct sound of discontent. It is derived from the Old English word 'grumman', meaning to murmur or mutter in a discontented way. Over time, 'grumbling' has come to represent the act of complaining or expressing dissatisfaction in a low, gruff manner.

See also: grumble, grumbler.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,529, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.