B1verb 3K

Mumble

UK //ˈmʌmbəl// US //ˈmʌmbəl// Pronunciation

Definition

To speak in a quiet and unclear way, making it hard to hear.

Listen to definition

In simple words: to speak quietly and unclearly

Examples

• He tends to mumble when he's nervous.
• Can you please stop mumbling and speak clearly?
• She always mumbles her answers during the test.
• I could barely hear him mumble something about the meeting.
• Stop mumbling; we need to hear your opinion.
• The child mumbled a few words before falling asleep.

Usage notes

Use 'mumble' when someone is speaking softly, often making it hard to understand. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, but can sound informal compared to 'articulate'.

Grammar pattern

mumble + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'mumble' as a 'muffled' sound, like talking with your mouth full.

Collocations

• mumble something
• mumble to oneself
• mumble under breath

Synonyms

• murmur
• mutter
• grumble
• whisper

Antonyms

• articulate
• enunciate

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'murmur' which means to speak softly, but has a more soothing connotation.
• Using 'mumble' in contexts requiring clarity, like formal presentations.
• Omitting the subject when using 'mumble', as it should always include one.