Word choice · C1
Mutter, mumble, murmur, whisper, snap
All four are quiet, but for different reasons. You mutter because you are complaining and do not want to be answered. You mumble because you are not opening your mouth properly. You murmur because the moment is soft or private. You whisper because you have switched your voice off entirely and are using only breath.
Which word, and why
- mutter
quiet and complaining — not meant to be answered
To say something in a low voice, usually critically.
mutter under your breath · mutter darkly · mutter something about
- mumble
unclear because the mouth is barely moving
To speak indistinctly so that people cannot make out the words.
mumble an apology · stop mumbling · mumble into his collar
- murmur
soft and low — usually warm or private
To say something quietly and gently.
murmur a reply · a murmur of approval · murmur in his ear
- whisper
no voice at all, only breath
To speak using breath instead of voice so that only one person hears.
whisper a secret · whisper in her ear · a stage whisper
- snap
sharp and irritated, in very few words
To say something suddenly and angrily.
snap at someone · "Leave it," he snapped
- bark
loud, abrupt, giving an order
To say something in a short, loud, commanding voice.
bark an order · bark instructions · bark at the staff
- yell
loud because of distance or emotion
To shout at the top of your voice.
yell for help · yell across the street · stop yelling
- blurt
out before you could stop yourself
To say something suddenly without thinking, often something you meant to keep back.
blurt it out · blurt out the answer
- stammer
broken by nerves
To speak with involuntary pauses and repeated sounds.
stammer an apology · stammer through it
- drone
flat, monotonous, and far too long
To speak in a dull, unchanging voice.
drone on · drone through the slides
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She "typical" under her breath as she read the email.