grumble — to complain or protest about something in a bad-tempered but typically muted way
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to complain or protest about something in a bad-tempered but typically muted way
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɡrʌmbəl/
Example Sentences
- My grandfather always grumbles that smartphones are ruining conversation, while texting his poker buddies.
- The employees grumbled about the new dress code policy.
- She grumbled that her coffee was too cold, then immediately ordered an iced latte.
grumble
VERB[/ˈɡrʌmbəl/]
to complain or protest about something in a bad-tempered but typically muted way
The old man started to grumble about the cold soup at dinner.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle Dutch 'grommelen' or Middle Low German 'grummeln', both imitative words that derive from the sound of growling or muttering. The word entered English in the 16th century.
Breakdown
grum- (root meaning to growl or mutter, imitative) + -ble (frequentative suffix indicating repeated action) = grumble
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandfather always grumbles that smartphones are ruining conversation, while texting his poker buddies.”
“The employees grumbled about the new dress code policy.”
“She grumbled that her coffee was too cold, then immediately ordered an iced latte.”
“Thunder grumbled in the distance as the storm approached.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.