Mumbled: meaning, definitions and examples

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mumbled

[ ˈmʌmb(ə)l ]

Verb

^{Context #1 | Verb}

communication

Speak in a low, indistinct manner, almost unintelligible. Mumbling is often a sign of nervousness or lack of confidence.

Synonyms

grunt, murmur, mutter, whisper.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mumbled	Use when someone is speaking in a low or unclear way, often because they are shy or not confident. He mumbled something under his breath She mumbled her response, barely audible
mutter	Use when someone is speaking in a low voice, often expressing annoyance, complaints, or secrets. This has a slightly negative connotation. He muttered something about the bad service She muttered under her breath as she walked away
murmur	Use when someone is speaking softly and in a low tone, typically in a gentle or soothing manner, or when there is a quiet background noise. She murmured sweet words to her baby The murmur of the crowd grew louder
whisper	Use when someone is speaking very softly and quietly, so that only the person nearby can hear, often to keep something private or secret. She whispered the secret into his ear They whispered during the movie so they wouldn't disturb others
grunt	Use when someone makes a low, rough sound, often to express annoyance, effort, or lack of interest. He grunted in approval The weight was heavy, and he let out a grunt as he lifted it

Examples of usage

He mumbled something under his breath.
She mumbled her apology and quickly left the room.
The professor mumbled through the lecture, making it hard for the students to understand.
Don't mumble your words, speak clearly and confidently.
I could hear him mumbling to himself as he paced back and forth.

Translations

Translations of the word "mumbled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 murmurado

🇮🇳 बड़बड़ाया (barbaraya)

🇩🇪 gemurmelt

🇮🇩 bergumam

🇺🇦 пробурмотів

🇵🇱 mruknął

🇯🇵 つぶやいた (tsubuyaita)

🇫🇷 murmuré

🇪🇸 murmurado

🇹🇷 mırıldandı

🇰🇷 중얼거렸다 (jung-eolgeolyeossda)

🇸🇦 تمتم

🇨🇿 zamumlal

🇸🇰 zamrmlal

🇨🇳 喃喃自语 (nán nán zì yǔ)

🇸🇮 mumljal

🇮🇸 muldraði

🇰🇿 мырқылдаған

🇬🇪 დაბურძგლებული (daburjglebuli)

🇦🇿 mızıldandı

🇲🇽 murmurado

Etymology

The word 'mumbled' originated from the Middle English word 'momen', which means to keep silent. Over time, it evolved to 'mumble' in the 14th century, with the meaning of speaking indistinctly. The verb 'mumble' has been used in English literature since the Middle Ages, with various writers describing characters who mumble their words. The act of mumbling is often associated with uncertainty, shyness, or discomfort in social situations.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,512, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
14509 underestimate
14510 convincingly
14511 interwoven
14512 mumbled
14513 reflux
14514 philanthropic
14515 pike
...