whispered

Thân thiện

She whispered a secret to her friend in the quiet library.

Definition

Adjective 1. Spoken in soft, hushed tones without vibrations of the vocal cords: Describes speech that is very quiet, intended to be heard only by someone nearby, and produced without making the vocal cords vibrate, often creating a breathy sound.

Usage

The adjective "whispered" is used to describe speech, sounds, or conversations that are produced in this specific, quiet manner. It often implies secrecy, intimacy, or the need for quiet. - It typically comes before a noun (e.g., a whispered warning) or after a linking verb (e.g., His voice was whispered).

Examples

• Before a noun:
  • She gave a whispered instruction to her assistant.
  • I could only hear whispered fragments of their argument.
• After a linking verb:
  • His confession was barely whispered.
  • The entire conversation was whispered so the children wouldn't wake up.

Advanced Usage

• "whispered" as part of a compound adjective: While "whispered" itself is the target word, it can combine with adverbs to describe manner more precisely in literary contexts.
  • faintly whispered secrets
  • urgently whispered warnings
• Figurative use: Can describe something that is subtly suggested or rumored, though this is less common.
  • There were whispered rumors of a company merger. (Implies the rumors were spread quietly and discreetly).

Variants and Related Words

• Whisper (verb): To speak very softly using one's breath without the vocal cords.
  • Please whisper during the movie.
• Whisper (noun): A whispered sound or speech.
  • He spoke in a whisper.
• Whispering (noun/adj): The act or sound of whispering; making a whispering sound.
  • The whispering of the leaves was calming.

Synonyms

• Hushed: Made quiet or silent.
• Muttered: Spoken in a low, indistinct voice, often in complaint. (Differs as it may involve vocal cord vibration and conveys a different attitude).
• Mumbled: Spoken quietly and indistinctly. (Differs as it focuses on lack of clarity rather than intentional quietness for secrecy).

Antonyms

• Spoken aloud
• Shouted
• Bellowed

Related Idioms and Phrases

• In whispered tones: A phrase describing the manner of speaking.
  • They discussed the plan in whispered tones.
• A whispered word: Refers to a single piece of information shared secretly.
  • Not a whispered word of this must leave the room.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. spoken in soft hushed tones without vibrations of the vocal cords
   • a long whispered conversation