mutter
B1Neutral to Informal
Definition
Meaning
To speak in a low, indistinct voice, often with the mouth nearly closed, typically expressing discontent, complaint, or reluctance.
To make a low, continuous, rumbling sound; to express something, especially discontent or a complaint, in a subdued or private way.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb implies both a specific physical manner of speaking (low, unclear) and a typical emotional state (discontent, reluctance). As a noun, it refers to the act or sound of such speech.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. The noun form 'mutterings' is slightly more common in UK political/journalistic contexts.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties. Connotes secrecy, complaint, or suppressed anger.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English, but common in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + mutter + (direct object) + (prepositional phrase)[Subject] + mutter + that-clause[Subject] + mutter + under one's breath[Subject] + mutter + to + [indirect object]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Mutterings on the backbenches (UK political idiom)”
- “Not a word, not a mutter (complete silence)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used informally: 'He muttered about the new budget cuts.'
Academic
Rare in formal writing. Used in literary analysis or reported speech.
Everyday
Common for describing reluctant or private complaining: 'She muttered about the queue.'
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- 'I'll do it later,' he muttered, not looking up from his paper.
- The crowd began to mutter disapprovingly at the referee's decision.
American English
- She muttered a complaint about the coffee as she walked away.
- He was muttering to himself while fixing the engine.
adverb
British English
- N/A (not standard adverb use)
American English
- N/A (not standard adverb use)
adjective
British English
- The mutter campaign against the leader grew louder.
- N/A (rare, derived use)
American English
- N/A (not standard adjective use)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He muttered 'hello' and looked at the floor.
- Don't mutter, please speak clearly.
- The old man was muttering about the weather.
- I heard her mutter something under her breath.
- After the verdict, the defendant muttered a string of curses.
- There were mutterings of rebellion among the junior staff.
- The minister's speech was met with mutterings of scepticism from the assembled experts.
- He muttered darkly about consequences, but took no action.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'BUTTER' - you might 'mutter' if you drop your 'butter' because you're annoyed but don't want to shout.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPLAINT/SPEECH IS A LOW, SUPPRESSED SOUND (e.g., 'a mutter of discontent').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'мать' (mother).
- The Russian 'бормотать' is a close equivalent, but 'mutter' more strongly implies discontent.
- Not a direct equivalent for 'шептать' (to whisper), which is neutral or secretive, not necessarily complaining.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'mutter' for loud complaining (incorrect).
- Confusing spelling with 'mutter' (butter).
- Using it as a direct translation for neutral whispering.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'mutter' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Mutter' specifically implies low, indistinct speech due to discontent or reluctance. 'Mumble' is more general, referring to unclear speech from shyness, embarrassment, or simply not articulating.
Yes, it can describe low, continuous, rumbling sounds like those of a distant engine or thunder: 'the mutter of thunder on the horizon'.
No, it is neutral to informal. It is common in everyday speech and narrative writing but is rarely used in formal academic or legal documents.
Yes, the noun is also 'mutter' (e.g., 'a mutter of complaint') or more commonly the plural 'mutterings' (e.g., 'there were mutterings of dissent').