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Whispering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿคซ
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whispering

[หˆwษชspษ™rษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

sound

Speaking very quietly using one's breath rather than one's vocal cords.

Synonyms

mumble, murmur, mutter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
whispering

Usually used when someone is speaking very softly so that only a few people nearby can hear. It might be for secrecy or not to disturb others.

  • She was whispering secrets to her friend during class.
  • The wind was whispering through the trees.
murmur

Refers to speaking in a low, continuous voice, often used to describe a group of people or a soft, indistinct sound. It can also describe gentle background noise.

  • There was a murmur of agreement in the crowd.
  • She heard a murmur of voices coming from the next room.
mutter

Typically used when someone speaks in a low voice, often complaining or speaking negatively about something. It carries a somewhat negative connotation.

  • He muttered something under his breath and walked away.
  • She was muttering angrily about the bad service.
mumble

Used when someone is speaking in a way that is unclear or difficult to understand, often because they are nervous or not articulating their words properly.

  • He tended to mumble when he was nervous.
  • I couldn't understand him, he was just mumbling.

Examples of usage

  • She whispered in his ear, so no one else could hear.
  • The wind was whispering through the trees.
  • I could hear them whispering in the next room.
Context #2 | Noun

action

The act of speaking very quietly using one's breath rather than one's vocal cords.

Synonyms

mumble, murmur, mutter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
whispering

This is used when speaking very softly, usually to avoid being heard by others or to create a sense of intimacy or secrecy.

  • She leaned in closer, whispering secrets in his ear.
  • The children were whispering during the movie so they wouldnโ€™t disturb others.
murmur

This is used when speaking softly, often in a continuous and gentle way, similar to whispering but usually more prolonged and less distinct.

  • The audience began to murmur in anticipation of the speaker.
  • She murmured her approval quietly.
mutter

This is used when speaking in a low and barely audible voice, often because of irritation, annoyance, or talking to oneself. It has a negative connotation.

  • He muttered something under his breath about the unfairness of the situation.
  • She muttered angrily as she walked away.
mumble

This is used when speaking unclearly and quietly, often because of nervousness, lack of confidence, or not wanting to be fully understood. It can have a negative connotation.

  • He tends to mumble when heโ€™s afraid to speak up in meetings.
  • I couldn't understand what she said because she was mumbling.

Examples of usage

  • She heard a whisper behind her.
  • The room was filled with whispers.
  • There was a whisper of excitement in the air.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Traditions

  • In many cultures, whispering is often used in ceremonies or rituals to convey sacred messages.
  • Some communities believe that whispering helps in keeping private matters safe from others.

Psychology

  • Whispering can create an intimate atmosphere, making conversations feel more personal and private.
  • Studies show that people often whisper when expressing feelings such as love or fear, enhancing emotional connection.

Literature

  • Whispers often appear in poetry and stories to convey secrecy, sneaky behavior, or quiet moments.
  • Famous authors have used whispering as a motif to enhance tension and build suspense in narratives.

Pop Culture

  • Whispering is frequently used in music, where artists might sing softly to evoke certain emotions.
  • Movies often dramatize whispering in tense scenes to build mystery or intimacy between characters.

Origin of 'whispering'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'hwisprian,' which means to speak softly.
  • The roots of the term suggest a light, rustling sound, similar to leaves in the wind.

The word 'whispering' originated from the Old English word 'hwisprian', which meant to speak very softly or in a low voice. The concept of whispering has been present in human communication for centuries, often used for secrecy, intimacy, or to avoid being overheard. Whispering is a universal behavior found in cultures around the world, with variations in volume, pitch, and context.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,306, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.