Definition

1. Noun:
   • A low, indistinct complaint or grumble: The act of speaking in a low, unclear voice, typically to express dissatisfaction or annoyance.
   • A low, continuous, indistinct sound: A soft, often inarticulate background noise, frequently associated with the movement of lips as if speaking quietly.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • I could hear his constant muttering about the new office policy. (This refers to low, complaining speech.)
  • The muttering of the audience grew louder as the speaker continued to delay. (This refers to a low, indistinct sound of many people speaking quietly, often in discontent.)
  • She walked away, lost in thought, her lips moving in silent muttering. (This describes the physical act of making low, inarticulate sounds.)

Advanced Usage

• "To be met with muttering": To be received with quiet, often discontented, murmurs from a group.
  • The unpopular announcement was met with muttering from the crowd.

Variants and Related Words

• Mutter (verb): To speak or say something in a low, barely audible voice, especially in dissatisfaction.
  • "This is unfair," he muttered under his breath.
• Mutterer (noun): A person who mutters.

Synonyms

• Grumbling: Complaining in a bad-tempered but usually quiet way.
• Murmuring: Speaking or making a sound in a soft, low, or indistinct voice.
• Mumbling: Speaking words unclearly and quietly so that they are difficult to understand.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

• To mutter to oneself: To speak in a low voice when alone, often without awareness.
  • He was muttering to himself while searching for his keys.

Related Idioms

• Mutterings of discontent/disapproval: Used to describe the quiet, collective expression of unhappiness or criticism from a group.
  • There were mutterings of discontent among the staff after the pay cuts were announced.

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