muttering

Everyday

1. (verb form) -ing form of mutter: he was muttering to himself. tree →
2. (noun) Quiet, unclear speech, often complaining: we heard muttering at the back. tree →
3. (mutterings, plural) Quiet complaints or rumours from a group: mutterings of discontent. tree →

In the lessons

In stories «muttering» shows grumpy or secret talk; in news «mutterings» means people are quietly unhappy. Phrases: muttering under his breath, mutterings about, muttering to herself.

Examples

• The old man walked off, muttering to himself. tree →
• There was muttering in the crowd when the match was delayed. tree →
• Stop muttering and tell me what's wrong. tree →
• I could hear her muttering about homework. tree →
• Mutterings spread through the class when the test was announced. tree →
• He was muttering spells from his book. tree →
• But the dwarfs came a step nearer, muttering and whispering. tree →

Note

From the verb mutter (+ing). As a noun it is often plural: «mutterings». Similar: grumbling, mumbling.

In Jewish tradition

It means low whispering, here the secret talk of enemies who plan harm.

Interpretation. Lamentations is read as the grieving of Jerusalem's people, and this verse shows them hurt by enemies who whisper against them all day.

Examples

• The lips of those that rose up against me, and their muttering against me all the day. (Writings LAM.3.62, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

From the verb mutter (+ing). As a noun it is often plural: «mutterings». Similar: grumbling, mumbling.