Mumble Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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mumble
mum-ble
Definitions
speech
To speak in a low, indistinct manner, often making it difficult for others to understand.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mumble |
Mumbling typically occurs when someone speaks quietly and unclearly, making it hard to understand their words. This can happen due to nervousness, lack of confidence, or just not wanting to be heard.
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| mutter |
Muttering is low, quiet, and often unintelligible speech, usually expressing dissatisfaction, annoyance, or contempt. It often has a negative connotation.
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| murmur |
Murmuring is often a soft, gentle, continuous sound. It can be used to describe a group of people talking quietly or a soothing background noise. It can also describe someone speaking softly to themselves or others.
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Examples of usage
- She tends to mumble when she's nervous.
- He mumbled something under his breath, but I couldn't catch what he said.
speech
A low, indistinct, or almost inaudible utterance.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mumble |
Used when someone is speaking quietly and unclearly, often because they are nervous or unsure.
|
| murmur |
Appropriate when someone speaks softly, often in a low tone, usually to express affection, surprise, or when they don't want others to hear.
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| mutter |
This word is used when someone speaks in a low voice, often showing irritation or talking to themselves. It can have a negative connotation.
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| whisper |
Used when someone speaks in a very soft, quiet voice, often to keep the conversation secret or to avoid making noise.
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Examples of usage
- His response was just a mumble, so I asked him to repeat himself.
- I could hear her mumbles through the walls.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Quick facts about “mumble”
Mumble is a 2-syllable verb and noun (mum-ble). It is pronounced /ˈməmbəɫ/ in American English and /mˈʌmbəl/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 6 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #26,960 among the most common English words.
Origin of 'mumble'
The word 'mumble' originated from the Middle English word 'momelen', which meant to mumble or talk indistinctly. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century.