grumbling
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Making a continuous, low, and often complaining sound: Describes a sound that is deep, muffled, and prolonged, often suggesting discontent or a physical disturbance like thunder or an upset stomach.
Noun:
- The act of complaining in a low, muttered, or indistinct way: A complaint that is not openly declared but is expressed in a subdued, ongoing manner.
- A continuous, low, dull noise: A deep, rolling, or vibrating sound, such as that made by distant thunder, machinery, or digestion.
Examples of Usage
Adjective:
- We could hear the grumbling thunder long before the storm arrived.
- He went to bed early, troubled by a grumbling stomachache.
Noun (as a complaint):
- There was constant grumbling among the employees about the new policy.
- She ignored his quiet grumbling and continued with her plan.
Noun (as a sound):
- The grumbling of the old furnace kept me awake.
- The deep grumbling of the volcano warned of an impending eruption.
Advanced Usage
- "to be met with grumbling(s)": to be received with muted complaints or dissatisfaction.
- The manager's announcement was met with audible grumbling from the team.
- "a grumbling appendix": a medical informalism for chronic, mild appendicitis.
- The doctor suspected a grumbling appendix was the cause of her recurring pain.
Variants and Related Words
- Grumble (verb): To complain or protest in a bad-tempered but muted way; to make a low rumbling sound.
- He tends to grumble about the weather.
- My stomach started to grumble with hunger.
- Grumbler (noun): A person who grumbles habitually.
- Rumbling (noun/adjective): A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with for low, continuous sounds.
Synonyms
- For the complaint: Muttering, grousing, moaning, whining.
- For the sound: Rumbling, growling, roaring, drone.
Related Phrasal Verbs/Idioms
- To grumble about/at/over something: The standard construction for the verb.
- The customers were grumbling about the slow service.
- A grumble and a groan: An idiom emphasizing vocal complaints and sounds of discomfort.
- The hike up the hill was accompanied by a chorus of grumbles and groans.
Adjective
- continuous full and low-pitched throbbing sound
- the rumbling rolling sound of thunder
Noun
- a complaint uttered in a low and indistinct tone
- a loud low dull continuous noise
- they heard the rumbling of thunder