Word
mutter
Phoneticsmut·ter, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmətɝ/
UK/mˈʌtɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a low, quiet sound made with your mouth, usually when you are angry or upset. It is like talking to yourself in a way that others cannot hear clearly.
n. a low, indistinct sound made with the lips and tongue, typically expressing irritation or dissatisfaction. Often used to describe the act of speaking in a way that is barely audible to others.
Examples
“He gave a low mutter of frustration as the door stuck.”
“The crowd began a low mutter of discontent as the speaker continued to ignore their questions.”
“A low mutter of protest rose from the back of the room, though no one dared to voice their concerns directly to the committee members.”
Examples
simple
“He gave a low mutter of frustration as the door stuck.”
contextual
“The crowd began a low mutter of discontent as the speaker continued to ignore their questions.”
complex
“A low mutter of protest rose from the back of the room, though no one dared to voice their concerns directly to the committee members.”
Etymology
From Middle English muteren, moteren, of imitative origin. Compare Low German mustern, musseln (“to whisper”), German muttern (“to mutter; whisper”), Old Norse muðla (“to murmur”). Compare also Latin muttīre, mutīre.
From Hindi मटर (maṭar).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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