whisper
/'wisp /
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A very soft, quiet way of speaking: A "whisper" is speech produced without using the vocal cords, using only breath, so it is barely audible.
- A soft, rustling sound: A "whisper" can also refer to a light, gentle sound, like that of wind through leaves or silk moving.
Verb:
- To speak very softly: To "whisper" means to speak using one's breath instead of one's voice, making the sound very quiet.
- To make a soft, rustling sound: To "whisper" can also mean to produce a light, murmuring sound, as leaves or fabric might do.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- She spoke in a whisper so as not to wake the baby.
- I could hear the whisper of the wind in the pine trees.
Verb:
- He whispered the secret into my ear.
- The long grass whispered against our legs as we walked.
Advanced Usage
- "in a whisper" / "in whispers": Speaking or communicated using a whisper.
- The audience listened in rapt silence, hanging on every word spoken in a whisper.
- "a whisper of (something)": A very slight hint, trace, or suggestion of something.
- There wasn't a whisper of scandal about her.
- Add just a whisper of garlic to the sauce.
Variants and Related Words
- Whisperer (noun): A person who whispers, or one who has a special ability to communicate with animals (e.g., a horse whisperer).
- Whispery (adjective): Resembling, characterized by, or full of whispers; soft and rustling.
- She has a whispery voice that is hard to hear in a crowd.
Synonyms
- Noun: Murmur, hushed tone, rustle, sigh.
- Verb: Murmur, breathe, hiss (in some contexts), mutter (softly).
Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions
- Whisper about: To discuss something secretly or in whispers.
- People began to whisper about the strange events at the old house.
- It is whispered that...: A construction used to report a rumor or piece of gossip being spread quietly.
- It was whispered that he was planning to resign.
Related Idioms
- A stage whisper: A loud whisper meant to be heard by an audience, especially in a theater.
- The actor delivered the line in a stage whisper, ensuring everyone in the theater heard the plot twist.
- Whispers in the corridor/grapevine: Refers to rumors or gossip being spread unofficially.
- According to whispers in the corridor, the company is about to be sold.
Noun
- a light noise, like the noise of silk clothing or leaves blowing in the wind
- speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords
Verb
- speak softly; in a low voice