Definition

1. Verb:

   • To speak in a low, indistinct voice, often when complaining or expressing discontent: To utter words or sounds that are barely audible, typically because one is annoyed, dissatisfied, or does not wish to be clearly heard.
   • To make a low, continuous, indistinct sound: To produce a soft, rumbling noise, often without forming clear words.

2. Noun:

   • A low, indistinct utterance, especially of complaint: Words spoken in a quiet, grumbling tone, often expressing dissatisfaction.
   • A low, continuous, indistinct sound: A soft, muffled, rumbling noise.

Examples

• Verb:

  • He would mutter to himself while working on the difficult puzzle.
  • The customer began to mutter about the poor service under his breath.
  • Thunder muttered in the distance.

• Noun:

  • I heard a discontented mutter from the back of the room.
  • The only sound was the low mutter of the engine.

Advanced Usage

• "to mutter about (something)": to complain quietly or grumble about a specific thing.

  • She was muttering about the cold weather all morning.

• "to mutter under one's breath": to speak in a very low voice, typically expressing irritation, so that others can barely hear.

  • He apologized, but then muttered under his breath.

Variants and Related Words

• Muttering (n): The act or sound of speaking in a low, grumbling voice.

  • The constant muttering was distracting.

• Mutterer (n): A person who mutters.

  • He's a chronic mutterer when he's stressed.

Synonyms

• Verb: Murmur, mumble, grumble, whisper.
• Noun: Murmur, grumble, mumble.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(This word is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meaning is typically expressed directly or with prepositions like "about" or "under one's breath," as shown in Advanced Usage.)

Related Idioms

• "Mutter darkly": to mutter in a way that suggests anger, threat, or ominous thoughts.
  • After the argument, he left the room, muttering darkly.

Noun

1. a complaint uttered in a low and indistinct tone
2. a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech

Verb

1. make complaining remarks or noises under one's breath
   • she grumbles when she feels overworked
2. talk indistinctly; usually in a low voice