whisper

Everyday

1. To whisper means to speak very quietly, using your breath and not your voice. tree →
2. A whisper is a very quiet way of speaking, or something said very quietly. tree →
3. A whisper can also be a soft sound, like leaves rustling, or a rumour. tree →

In the lessons

In school, children whisper in the library or during quiet time; whispering in class while the teacher talks is rude. In manners, whispering about someone in front of them can hurt their feelings. In games, «Chinese whispers» or «telephone» shows how messages change when passed on. In stories, characters whisper secrets. Phrases: in a whisper, whisper to, whisper in someone's ear, stage whisper.

Examples

• She whispered the answer to me. tree →
• Please whisper in the library. tree →
• He said it in a whisper so the baby wouldn't wake. tree →
• It's unkind to whisper about people in front of them. tree →
• I heard the whisper of the wind in the trees. tree →
• We played a whispering game in a circle. tree →
• «Look behind you!» she whispered. tree →
• Don't whisper in class while the teacher is talking. tree →
• “Who are they?” Wendy whispered, shuddering. tree →

Note

Regular verb: whispered, whispering. Whisper is quieter than «mutter» and «murmur». If someone whispers a secret that makes you uncomfortable or unsafe, you can tell a trusted adult.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Tradition strongly condemns the whisperer who spreads gossip. This is lashon hara, evil speech, which separates friends. In the primary lessons: In school, children whisper in the library or during quiet time; whispering in class while the teacher talks is rude. In manners, whispering about someone in front of them can hurt their feelings. In games, «Chinese whispers» or «telephone» shows how messages change when passed on. In stories, characters whisper secrets. Phrases: in a whisper, whisper to, whisper in someone's ear, stage whisper.

Examples

• A froward man soweth strife; and a whisperer separateth familiar friends. (Writings PRO.16.28, JPS 1917) tree →
• Now a word was secretly brought to me, and mine ear received a whisper thereof. (Writings JOB.4.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• All that hate me whisper together against me, against me do they devise my hurt: (Writings PSA.41.8, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb: whispered, whispering. Whisper is quieter than «mutter» and «murmur». If someone whispers a secret that makes you uncomfortable or unsafe, you can tell a trusted adult.