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Murmurer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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murmurer

[หˆmษœหrmษ™rษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a conversation

A person who speaks in a low, indistinct, or inarticulate manner, especially when complaining or criticizing.

Synonyms

complainer, grumbler, whiner.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
murmurer

This word is often used to describe someone who speaks quietly and indistinctly, typically in a complaining manner, but not necessarily with strong negative emotion. It is more about the quiet, subdued nature of their complaints.

  • She was a constant murmurer, always softly noting her dissatisfaction with the state of affairs.
  • The murmurers in the group made it hard to maintain a positive atmosphere.
complainer

This is a general term for someone who often expresses dissatisfaction or annoyance about various things. It does not have as strong a negative connotation as some other words but clearly indicates a habit of complaining.

  • He's known as a complainer at work because he frequently voices his displeasure.
  • The meeting was delayed because of the complainers who wanted to discuss every minor issue.
grumbler

A grumbler is someone who complains frequently and in a low, often muttering tone. It conveys a sense of ongoing dissatisfaction and can carry a slightly more negative connotation than a 'complainer'.

  • The office grumbler made sure everyone knew how unhappy she was with the new policy.
  • Grumblers in the audience were not pleased with the concert's sound quality.
whiner

A whiner is someone who complains in a high-pitched, annoying, and sometimes childish manner. This term has a strongly negative connotation and suggests that the person is particularly irritating when they complain.

  • Stop being such a whiner and deal with the situation.
  • Everyone finds him hard to be around because he's a perpetual whiner.

Examples of usage

  • He was known as a murmurer, always grumbling about something.
  • The murmurer in the meeting kept complaining about the new rules.
  • She couldn't stand the murmurer in her office, always finding faults in everything.
Context #2 | Noun

in a religious setting

One who speaks against the established order, especially in a religious context.

Synonyms

dissenter, heretic, rebel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
murmurer

Used to describe someone who speaks quietly or complains in a low voice, often in a concealed or subtle manner.

  • She was known as a murmurer who never voiced her complaints openly.
  • In the background, there was always a murmurer spreading rumors.
dissenter

Appropriate for describing an individual who disagrees with the majority or accepted opinions, particularly in a formal or political context.

  • He was labeled a dissenter after disagreeing with the governmentโ€™s new policies.
  • Dissenters played a crucial role in advocating for change during the protest.
rebel

Describes a person who resists or defies authority, control, or tradition. This word is commonly used in both political and social contexts.

  • He became a rebel against the oppressive regime.
  • Teenagers often go through a phase where they act like rebels.
heretic

Used in religious or ideological contexts to describe someone who holds beliefs that are contrary to the accepted doctrine. It often has a negative connotation.

  • She was branded a heretic for challenging the churchโ€™s teachings.
  • In the past, many scientific innovators were considered heretics.

Examples of usage

  • The murmurer in the congregation was causing unrest with his dissenting views.
  • The murmurer was excommunicated for his constant opposition to the church's teachings.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, murmurers often represent secretive or conspiratorial characters, adding intrigue to a narrative.
  • Murmuring can create an atmosphere of tension or suspense in poetry and prose, often used to express hidden thoughts.
  • Classic works like Shakespeare's plays feature murmurers as characters who convey important yet understated insights.

Psychology

  • Whispering or murmuring can signify trust, as people often share secrets with a soft voice, reflecting a safe space.
  • Psychological studies suggest that the tone and volume of murmured speech can affect how messages are received and interpreted.
  • Murmuring can also convey emotional nuance, often used in therapy to express feelings that are difficult to articulate.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows, murmurers may convey mystery or suspense, often being pivotal in plot twists.
  • Characters who murmur might be portrayed as secretive or sinister, enhancing their roles as guardians of secrets.
  • Murmuring is often used in sound design to create a backdrop of whispers, amplifying moments of tension or drama.

Communication

  • Murmuring can create a sense of intimacy, making listeners more engaged and curious about the content of the speech.
  • It often contrasts with loud, assertive communication, allowing for a more nuanced exchange of ideas and feelings.
  • In social settings, murmurs can indicate conversations that are private or exclusive, creating an aura of intrigue.

Origin of 'murmurer'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'murmurare', meaning 'to murmur' or 'to softly complain'.
  • It has roots in Old French, where 'murmure' also indicates a soft sound or murmur.
  • The transition into English was influenced by the sound of soft speech, similar to what one would hear while whispering.

The word 'murmurer' comes from the Middle English 'murmurer', derived from the Old French 'murmureur', meaning 'murmurer' or 'mumbler'. It has been used in English to describe someone who speaks in a low or indistinct manner, often with a negative connotation, since the 14th century.

See also: murmur, murmuring.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,502, 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.