whisper
B1Neutral (common in formal, informal, and literary contexts)
Definition
Meaning
To speak very softly using one's breath rather than one's vocal cords, typically to avoid being overheard.
To talk quietly and privately, often suggesting secrecy, intimacy, or gossip. Also, a soft rustling or murmuring sound.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb, 'whisper' implies intentional quietness, not just a low voice. It often carries connotations of confidentiality, conspiracy, or shared secrets. As a noun, it can refer to the act, the words spoken, or a soft, rustling sound.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or use. Spelling is consistent. The American usage might slightly more commonly use 'whisper campaign' in political contexts.
Connotations
Connotations are identical: secrecy, intimacy, confidentiality.
Frequency
Equally frequent and core in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] whisper (to [Recipient]) that [Clause][Subject] whisper [Direct Object] (to [Recipient])[Subject] whisper (about [Topic])Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “whisper sweet nothings”
- “a whisper of scandal”
- “in a stage whisper (loudly 'whispered' so an audience can hear)”
- “not a whisper (no information at all)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare in formal documents. Used metaphorically: 'There wasn't a whisper of dissent in the boardroom.' Or negatively: 'Avoid office whispers and gossip.'
Academic
Used literally in literature analysis or social studies (e.g., analyzing gossip). Can be used metaphorically: 'A whisper of evidence suggests...'
Everyday
Very common for private conversations, telling secrets, quieting children ('whisper in the library'), and describing wind or leaves.
Technical
In acoustics/audio engineering: 'background whisper,' 'signal-to-whisper ratio.' In medicine: 'whispered pectoriloquy' (a diagnostic test).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He had to whisper in the quiet carriage of the train.
- They whispered about the latest office rumours over tea.
- 'Mind the step,' she whispered, leading him through the dark garden.
American English
- He leaned over to whisper the password in her ear.
- 'Don't wake the baby,' Dad whispered from the doorway.
- The wind whispered through the pine trees outside the cabin.
adverb
British English
- She spoke whisper-softly so as not to disturb the lecture.
- The leaves rustled whisper-loud in the silent wood. (poetic)
American English
- 'Come closer,' he said, whisper-close to her cheek. (literary)
- The secret was passed whisper-quick through the group.
adjective
British English
- A whisper-quiet dishwasher is essential for our open-plan kitchen.
- She spoke in a whisper-soft voice that was hard to hear.
- The campaign was fought in the whisper corridors of Westminster.
American English
- The new hybrid car is almost whisper-quiet at low speeds.
- He launched a whisper campaign against his political opponent.
- The actor's whisper-thin mustache was perfect for the period role.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children whispered in the library.
- I heard a whisper behind me.
- Please don't shout, just whisper.
- She whispered the secret to her best friend.
- There were whispers that the manager was going to leave.
- He spoke in a low whisper so only I could hear.
- Despite the official statement, whispers of financial trouble persisted in the industry.
- The politician was damaged by a vicious whisper campaign started by his opponents.
- The wind whispered through the reeds at the water's edge.
- His testimony was delivered in little more than a whisper, yet it resonated powerfully in the hushed courtroom.
- The faintest whisper of corruption can undermine public trust in an institution for years.
- In the poem, the lover's promises are 'whispered on the wind,' suggesting both intimacy and transience.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'WHISPER' as containing 'HISS' and 'WIND' – both make soft, airy sounds.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMATION (ESPECIALLY SECRETS) IS A PHYSICAL SUBSTANCE CARRIED BY AIR / COMMUNICATION IS PROXIMITY (you must be close to whisper).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'шепот' for loud, private conversations – English 'whisper' specifically implies a breathy, unvoiced sound.
- Do not confuse with 'murmur' (шепот/бормотание) which can be more voiced and less distinct.
- The verb 'to whisper' requires a direct object or a 'that'-clause; you whisper *something*, not just 'whisper to someone' without content (though this is possible, it's less common).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'She whispered me the answer.' Correct: 'She whispered the answer *to* me.' or 'She whispered to me.'
- Overuse in writing instead of 'said quietly'. 'Whisper' is more specific.
- Misspelling: 'whispher' is a common error.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely meaning of 'whisper' in a metaphorical sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'whisper' is specifically breathy and unvoiced, made by forcing air through a narrow opening. A 'murmur' is a low, continuous, and often indistinct sound that can be voiced (like people talking softly in a crowd) and is less about secrecy, more about a subdued hum.
Yes, it's common to describe gentle, rustling sounds as whispers: 'the whisper of leaves,' 'the whisper of silk.' This is a metaphorical extension based on the soft, airy quality of the sound.
No, a 'stage whisper' is a theatrical technique where an actor projects a line meant to sound like a whisper so the audience can hear it. It's actually quite loud and uses vocal cords, contrary to a true whisper.
When indicating the recipient, use 'to': 'whisper to someone'. When indicating the topic of the whispering, use 'about': 'whisper about something'. You can also use 'into': 'whisper into someone's ear'.