whimper

Everyday

1. To whimper means to make small, weak crying sounds because you are scared, hurt or sad. tree →
2. A whimper is such a small, quiet cry. tree →
3. «Not with a bang but a whimper» means ending quietly and weakly, not in a big way. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, puppies, babies and frightened characters whimper; the word tells the reader someone is scared or in pain but trying to be quiet. In everyday life, a whimpering dog may be hurt or lonely. Phrases: «whimper softly», «without a whimper» (without complaining).

Examples

• The puppy whimpered at the door. tree →
• The little boy whimpered when he grazed his knee. tree →
• We heard a whimper from under the bed. tree →
• The lost kitten was whimpering in the rain. tree →
• She had the injection without a whimper. tree →
• The storm ended not with a bang but a whimper. tree →
• "Don't tell papa and mamma," she whimpered; "they would be angry." tree →

Note

Regular verb: whimpered. The «wh» is said like «w». A whimper is quieter than a sob or a wail. «Without a whimper» = without complaining.