mutter — to speak in a low voice that is difficult to hear, often when complaining or expressing dissatisfaction
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to speak in a low voice that is difficult to hear, often when complaining or expressing dissatisfaction
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmʌtər/
Example Sentences
- The teenager muttered 'whatever' and rolled his eyes at his mom's advice.
- I could hear him mutter curse words while trying to assemble the IKEA furniture.
- The professor muttered the answer so quietly that half the class missed it.
mutter
VERB[/ˈmʌtər/]
to speak in a low voice that is difficult to hear, often when complaining or expressing dissatisfaction
He began to mutter complaints under his breath during the long meeting.
M(mouth closed) + UTTER(speak) — trying to UTTER(speak) his angry thoughts with his M(mouth almost closed), the man could only mutter.
After dropping his expensive block of butter, the grumpy chef began to quietly mutter in annoyance.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English 'muteren' (14th century), meaning 'to make a low sound.' Related to German 'muttern,' this word has onomatopoeic origins, mimicking the sound of low, indistinct speech.
Breakdown
mutt- (imitative root suggesting low, rumbling sounds) + -er (verb suffix indicating repeated action)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The teenager muttered 'whatever' and rolled his eyes at his mom's advice.”
“I could hear him mutter curse words while trying to assemble the IKEA furniture.”
“The professor muttered the answer so quietly that half the class missed it.”
“She always mutters her grocery list while walking through the store.”
📚Related Words
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