ENGLISH
REFERENCE

mutter

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈmətɝ// UK //mˈʌtɐ// mut·ter

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.


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.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

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.

Etymology 2

From Hindi मटर (maṭar).

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