mumbling
word · lemma: mumble
/ˈməmbəɫɪŋ/
/mˈʌmblɪŋ/
Definition
Speaking in a low and unclear voice so that others cannot hear or understand well. It's often used when someone is shy, nervous, or not confident.
Usage & Nuances
'Mumbling' is often used in negative contexts, implying a lack of confidence, hesitation, or frustration. Common collocations: 'stop mumbling', 'mumbling under his breath', 'caught mumbling'. 'Mumble' is the verb; 'mumbling' is the act or the descriptive form.
Spanish: murmurar - balbucearPortuguese (BR): murmurar - resmungarPortuguese (PT): murmurar - resmungarChinese (Simplified): 喃喃自语 - 嘟囔Chinese (Traditional): 喃喃自語 - 嘟囔Hindi: बड़बड़ानाArabic: يتمتمBengali: বড়বড় করাRussian: бормотаниеJapanese: つぶやくこと - もごもご言うことVietnamese: lẩm bẩmKorean: 중얼거림Turkish: mırıldanmaUrdu: بڑبڑاناIndonesian: bergumam
Example Sentences
He was mumbling during his speech.
basic
I couldn't hear what she was mumbling.
basic
The child kept mumbling while reading.
basic
"Stop mumbling and speak clearly," the teacher said.
natural
She walked away, mumbling something under her breath.
natural
He always starts mumbling when he gets nervous.
natural