Definition

1. 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.

2. 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

1. a light noise, like the noise of silk clothing or leaves blowing in the wind
2. speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords

Verb

1. speak softly; in a low voice