Meaning & Definition of word "Mumbling"

Mumbling

/ˈmʌmblɪŋ/

noun:

  • 1. A low, indistinct, or unclear manner of speaking.
    • Example: His mumbling was so bad that no one understood his point.
  • 2. The act or process of speaking in a muffled or unclear manner.
    • Example: Her mumbling made it difficult to follow the conversation.

verb:

  • 1. To speak in a quiet or unclear way, often with the mouth partially closed.
    • Example: She was mumbling her words so softly that I could hardly hear her.
  • 2. To express something in a low voice, often making it difficult to understand.
    • Example: He was mumbling to himself as he walked down the street, lost in thought.
  • 3. To speak without clarity or precision, often due to nervousness or lack of confidence.
    • Example: During the presentation, he started mumbling his facts and figures.
  • 4. To utter or pronounce in a way that is indecipherable.
    • Example: The child was mumbling something about a monster under the bed.

Etymology

Derived from the word 'mumble,' which likely comes from the Middle English 'mumblen,' of unknown origin.

Common Phrases and Expressions

mumbling to oneself:

Speaking quietly and without clarity, often while lost in thought.

mumbling under one's breath:

Speaking softly and in a low voice so that others cannot hear.

Related Words

mumble:

To speak in a quiet or indistinct manner.

mutter:

To speak softly and in a way that is not easily hearable.

Slang Meanings of mumbling

Meaning: Slurred speech

Example Sentence: After a few drinks, he was just mumbling away at the party.

Meaning: To be incoherent

Example Sentence: He started mumbling during the lecture.