Mumble Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mumble

[ˈmʌmbəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

speech

To speak in a low, indistinct manner, often making it difficult for others to understand.

Synonyms

murmur, murmur, mutter.

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. He mumbled his response during the interview. She mumbled something under her breath.
mutter	Muttering is low, quiet, and often unintelligible speech, usually expressing dissatisfaction, annoyance, or contempt. It often has a negative connotation. She muttered complaints under her breath. He muttered something about being late and hurried off.
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. The audience murmured in agreement. He heard the murmur of the river as he relaxed by its side.

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.

He mumbled his response during the interview.
She mumbled something under her breath.

mutter

Muttering is low, quiet, and often unintelligible speech, usually expressing dissatisfaction, annoyance, or contempt. It often has a negative connotation.

She muttered complaints under her breath.
He muttered something about being late and hurried off.

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.

The audience murmured in agreement.
He heard the murmur of the river as he relaxed by its side.

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.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

speech

A low, indistinct, or almost inaudible utterance.

Synonyms

murmur, mutter, whisper.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mumble	Used when someone is speaking quietly and unclearly, often because they are nervous or unsure. He mumbled his answer during the interview She tends to mumble when she talks to strangers
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. He murmured sweet words to his baby They murmured in agreement as they listened to the speaker
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. He muttered complaints under his breath She muttered something incomprehensible as she walked away
whisper	Used when someone speaks in a very soft, quiet voice, often to keep the conversation secret or to avoid making noise. She whispered a secret into her friend's ear They whispered during the meeting to avoid interrupting

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.

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.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,960, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
26957 grueling
26958 unpainted
26959 bunny
26960 mumble
26961 pleasantness
26962 sleight
26963 fetter
...