murmur - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
murmur Word Meanings
- to speak softly or indistinctly
- a low continuous sound
- a quiet expression of dissatisfaction
murmur Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
murmur Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈmɜː.mə/
US
/ˈmɝː.mɚ/
murmur Word Etymology
mur- = to murmur, from Latin 'murmur' meaning 'a murmur'. Imagine a gentle stream whispering as it flows, representing the soft sound of murmuring.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Murmur is both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to speak softly or indistinctly, often under one’s breath, and to emit a low, continuous sound. As a noun, it refers to that soft noise, or to a quiet expression of dissatisfaction. In everyday usage, you might murmur a comment, hear the murmur of a crowd, or sense a murmur of disapproval. The word conveys restraint, subtle emotion, and a sense of secrecy rather than loud clarity. Learners should note collocations like murmur of approval, murmuring voice, and murmur under one’s breath, as well as the nuance that murmuring can be affectionate or critical depending on context.
Usage Reminders
- Remember: murmur can be gentle or critical; use breath control to emphasize softness; not the same as mutter or mumble; use with nouns like murmuring voice or murmur of approval; prefer it for ongoing, soft sounds; adjust tone by context.
Common Misconceptions
- Murmur only means whispering; it cannot describe a louder or continuous sound.
- Murmur is always negative or disapproving.
- Murmur and mutter are interchangeable in all contexts.
- A murmur must be spoken by a person, not a crowd or nature.
- Murmur refers to rumors or gossip.
Thinking Differences
In English, murmuring often conveys subtle, private feelings and social nuance; beware learners may use it to mean a loud complaint or a full sentence of speech.
Learning Tips
- Practice with the two main senses (verb and noun).
- Differentiate from mutter and mumble in both meaning and tone.
- Use collocations like murmur of approval and murmur under one’s breath.
- Record yourself to hear the softness and continuity of a murmur.
- Listen for subtle cues in conversation where a speaker is not fully clear.
- Experiment with contexts: praise, disapproval, nature sounds.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'murmur'?
A.Confident
B.Whisper
C.Elicit
D.Study
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'murmur' correctly?
A.I could faintly hear a murmur in the empty room.
B.The teacher's murmur was so loud that the students couldn't hear her.
C.The crowd's murmur was deafening at the concert.
D.She shouted in a murmur, trying to be heard in the distance.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'murmur'?
A.Shout
B.Whistle
C.Mutter
D.Giggle
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'murmur'?
A.Roar
B.Silence
C.Chatter
D.Mumble
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario of 'murmur'?
A.He spoke loudly to address the crowd.
B.The sound of laughter filled the air.
C.She whispered to her friend across the room.
D.The leaves rustled in the wind.
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