Mutter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
mutter
[หmสtษr ]
Definitions
in a low voice
Speak quietly and indistinctly, with lips partly closed
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mutter |
To speak in a low, barely audible voice, often in dissatisfaction or annoyance.
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| mumble |
To speak in a way that is not clear enough to be understood, often due to nervousness or being unsure.
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| murmur |
To say something in a soft, quiet voice, often conveying comfort or secrecy.
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| grumble |
To complain in a low voice, often continuously and with a negative tone.
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Examples of usage
- He muttered something under his breath.
- She muttered a curse as she walked away.
discontent or complain in a low voice
A complaint spoken in a low, indistinct voice
Synonyms
grumbling, mumbling, murmuring.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mutter |
Used when someone speaks in a low voice that is hard to hear, often because they are annoyed or not wanting to be overheard.
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| mumbling |
Used when someone speaks in a quiet and unclear way, making it hard for others to understand. It can happen when someone is shy, nervous, or not sure of their words.
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| grumbling |
Used to describe complaining in a slightly angry or annoyed but quiet way. It often suggests dissatisfaction with something.
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| murmuring |
Used mostly to describe speaking softly and indistinctly, often as a group noise. It is typically neutral or pleasant and can also be used to describe natural sounds like water flowing softly.
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Examples of usage
- She could hear the mutter of voices in the next room.
- The constant mutter of complaints was getting on his nerves.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Muttering can indicate feelings of frustration or dissatisfaction, often a way to express emotions without direct confrontation.
- Some psychologists suggest that people who mutter may be experiencing internal conflict, using quiet speech as a coping mechanism.
- It's a common human behavior that happens more when individuals feel anxious or insecure in social situations.
Literature
- In classic literature, characters often mutter to convey their inner thoughts, adding depth to their emotional state.
- Notable authors like Charles Dickens frequently used the act of muttering to illustrate character's moods and tensions.
- Muttering is frequently depicted in dialogue to show charactersโ discomfort or secrecy, enhancing narrative tension.
Pop Culture
- Muttering is often used in movies and television to signify a character's secret thoughts, adding to dramatic irony.
- In comic books, muttering can represent a character's internal speech, providing insight into their thoughts without speech bubbles.
- Popular charactersโlike the grumpy grouch in various cartoonsโoften mutter to emphasize their cantankerous nature.
Origin of 'mutter'
Main points about word origin
- This word comes from the Old English 'mutteran', which means 'to speak indistinctly'.
- The word has German roots, where 'murren' translates to 'to murmur' or 'growl', highlighting its soft sound.
- The first known use was recorded in the 16th century, demonstrating a long history in the English language.
The word 'mutter' originated from the Middle English word 'moteren', which meant to mumble or grumble. Over time, the word evolved to its current form, with a similar meaning of speaking quietly and indistinctly. The use of 'mutter' in English literature dates back to the 14th century, where it was often used to depict characters expressing discontent or speaking in a low voice.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #21,732, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
- ...
- 21729 trickery
- 21730 impoverishment
- 21731 quanta
- 21732 mutter
- 21733 forgo
- 21734 redemptive
- 21735 italicized
- ...