Cool MateWhisper
UK /["/ˈwɪspə(r)/","/ˈwɪspəz/","/ˈwɪspəd/","/ˈwɪspərɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈwɪspər/","/ˈwɪspərz/","/ˈwɪspərd/","/ˈwɪspərɪŋ/"]/
Definition
to speak very quietly to somebody so that other people cannot hear what you are saying
In simple words: To talk very softly so only someone nearby can hear.
Examples
- She leaned closer to him and whispered her secret.
- As the teacher entered the room, the students began to whisper to each other.
- He heard a whisper in the dark that made him turn around.
- Please whisper quietly during the movie so you don’t distract others.
- The leaves began to whisper in the gentle breeze.
- She tried to whisper her thoughts without anyone else hearing.
- His voice was so soft, it was almost a whisper.
- They whispered sweet nothings to each other under the stars.
Usage notes
Used in both formal and informal contexts when you want to keep something secret or private. Not appropriate for loud environments.
Grammar pattern
whisper + object
Memory hint
Think of a soft 'whispering wind' that gently brushes by.
Collocations
- gently
- quietly
- softly
- can only
- hear somebody
- about
- against
- through
- whisper something in somebody’s ear
- whisper something into somebody’s ear
Synonyms
- murmur
Antonyms
- shout
- yell
- scream
Common mistakes
- Using 'whisper' with subjects instead of objects (e.g., saying 'I whisper him' instead of 'I whisper to him').
- Confusing 'whisper' with 'murmur' or 'mumble' — they have slightly different meanings.
- Forget to use quieter tones when actually whispering in practice.