mumble
Translation
to mumble, to mutter
Examples
He mumbled an apology.
He mumbled an apology.
Stop mumbling and speak clearly!
Stop mumbling and speak clearly!
Grammar Patterns
to mumble ((sth.)) to say (sth.) quietly and not clearly He mumbled something about being tired.
to mumble to ((sb.)) to speak unclearly to (sb.) She mumbled to herself as she walked.
Similar Words
Synonyms: mutter, murmur, speak indistinctly; Antonyms: enunciate, articulate, speak clearly
Etymology
Onomatopoeic, imitating the sound of speaking with a closed mouth. The 'm' sounds are made with the lips together.
Memory Tips
The word 'mumble' itself sounds like what it describes. Try saying it with your mouth half-closed.