Mummed: meaning, definitions and examples

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mummed

 

[ mÊŒmd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

informal speech

Mummed is a colloquial form of the word 'mumble,' which means to speak in a low, indistinct manner. It can also refer to the act of speaking quietly or with a slurred speech, often making it difficult for listeners to understand.

Synonyms

grumble, mumble, mutter

Examples of usage

  • He mummed his response, making it hard to hear.
  • She tends to mum when she's nervous.
  • The child mummed his request for a cookie.

Word origin

The word 'mummed' is derived from the verb 'mumble,' which has its roots in the Middle English word 'mumblen,' meaning to speak in a quiet or indistinct way. The etymology can be traced further back to the Late Latin word 'mumulare,' which means to murmur. Over the centuries, 'mumble' evolved in language usage to represent not only low-volume speech but also speech that lacks clarity and is often associated with a lack of confidence or enthusiasm. The past tense 'mummed' captures this action, indicating that someone has spoken in such a manner, often leading to misunderstandings or lack of clear communication.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,582, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.