Whisper: meaning, definitions and examples

The context is the same as the first instance. It signifies speaking very softly to keep a conversation private or not to disturb others.

• They continued to whisper until the teacher called for attention.
• He whispered sweet nothings into her ear.

Use 'murmur' to describe soft, indistinct, and continuous speaking. It's often employed to depict a group of people talking quietly together, or in storytelling to convey a soft sound.

• The murmur of the crowd grew louder as the speaker took the stage.
• She could hear the murmur of the brook outside the window.

Use 'mutter' when someone speaks softly but in a way that indicates they might be angry, annoyed, or talking to themselves. The tone is often negative or indicates frustration.

• He muttered to himself about the unfair rules.
• She muttered under her breath and walked away in annoyance.

Used in the same context as the first 'whisper' entry, indicating very quiet speech intended to be heard by a limited audience or used to convey secrecy.

• They shared a quiet whisper in the library
• He whispered sweet nothings to his partner

Applied when speaking softly and continuously, often indicating a background noise or a soft expression of feelings.

• There was a murmur of approval from the audience
• He murmured comforting words to her

Typically used when speaking in a low, often angry or frustrated tone, generally to oneself or under one's breath. This word can carry a negative connotation.

• She muttered under her breath about the long line
• He muttered complaints as he walked away