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Mumbling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mumbling

[ˈmʌmblɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in conversation

Speaking quietly and indistinctly, making it difficult for others to understand.

Synonyms

murmuring, muttering.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mumbling

Refers to speaking in a way that is too quiet and indistinct to be heard clearly.

  • She was mumbling something while reading the instructions
muttering

Often used when someone speaks quietly and indistinctly, usually because they are annoyed or talking to themselves. It has a slightly negative connotation.

  • He muttered under his breath about the unfair homework load
  • After the argument, she was muttering to herself as she walked away
murmuring

Used for low, soft sounds, often with a calming or soothing tone. It can also describe a group of people speaking quietly among themselves.

  • The river was murmuring gently in the background
  • As the teacher entered, a murmur of excitement ran through the classroom

Examples of usage

  • She was mumbling something about being tired.
  • He was mumbling so much that I couldn't catch a word he was saying.
Context #2 | Noun

in conversation

A low, indistinct, or inarticulate sound.

Synonyms

murmur, mutter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mumbling

This word is commonly used when someone speaks quietly and unclearly, making it difficult for others to understand. It often indicates nervousness, lack of confidence, or simply not paying attention.

  • "I couldn't understand what he was saying because he was mumbling the whole time
  • "
murmur

Typically used when speaking quietly and softly, often to convey a sense of tenderness, love, or confidentiality. It can also describe a background sound, like a soft, continuous noise.

  • "She murmured sweet words into his ear
  • " or "The murmur of the crowd filled the hall
  • "
mutter

This word carries a negative connotation and is often used when someone speaks in a low, grumbling tone, usually expressing dissatisfaction, annoyance, or discontent. The speech is typically not meant to be understood by others.

  • "He muttered under his breath about how unfair the situation was
  • "

Examples of usage

  • I could hear the mumbling of the crowd in the background.
  • The teacher's mumbling was distracting me from the lesson.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Mumbling can be a sign of shyness or lack of confidence, making people speak less clearly.
  • Studies show that people sometimes mumble when they are nervous, as it can feel safer to hide behind quiet speech.
  • In social situations, mumbling might prevent effective communication, leading to misunderstandings.

Speech Development

  • Children often mumble as they are still learning to pronounce words clearly.
  • Therapists may work with children who mumble to improve their articulation and confidence in speaking.
  • Mumbling can sometimes signal a hearing issue if a child doesn't respond well in conversations.

Pop Culture

  • Many comedians use mumbling for comedic effect, making their characters funny or relatable.
  • Famous musicians, like Bob Dylan, are known for their mumbled lyrics, adding an enigmatic quality to their music.
  • In movies, characters who mumble often portray a sense of mystery or emotional depth.

Cultural Expressions

  • Different cultures attribute varying meanings to mumbling; in some, it indicates thoughtfulness, while in others, it may be seen as disrespectful.
  • Certain languages have idiomatic expressions that convey the idea of mumbling, reflecting unique communication styles across cultures.
  • In many traditions, clear communication is highly valued, making mumbling less acceptable in formal settings.

Origin of 'mumbling'

The word 'mumbling' originated from the Middle Dutch word 'momelen' and the Middle Low German word 'mummlen', both of which meant to mumble or mutter. Over time, the word evolved into 'mumbling' in English, retaining its original meaning of speaking quietly and indistinctly. The use of 'mumbling' to describe inarticulate speech or sounds has been prevalent in the English language for centuries.

See also: mum, mumbled, mummy.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,411, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.