Murmur vs. Whisper: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on December 1, 2023
A murmur is a soft, continuous sound or spoken words, often indistinct, while a whisper is a hushed mode of speech without vocal cord vibration.
Difference Between Murmur and Whisper
Murmur and whisper, though seemingly similar, denote two different auditory experiences and methods of communication. A murmur is primarily characterized by its soft and often indistinct quality. It's a sound, whether from speech or another source, that is continuous and low. When someone murmurs, it may be hard to discern the exact words they're saying because of the gentle and muffled nature of the sound.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 01, 2023
In contrast, a whisper is more intentional and is defined by the absence of vocal cord vibration. When individuals whisper, they're deliberately trying to keep their voice low, often to convey a secret or to speak without being overheard. Even though whispers are hushed, they can be more distinct than murmurs, especially when the listener is close by.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 01, 2023
Additionally, the context in which these two words are used varies. While murmur can describe natural sounds, like the murmur of a brook or the distant murmur of city traffic, whisper is primarily associated with human speech. A forest, for example, might murmur with the rustle of leaves, but trees don't whisper.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 01, 2023
Furthermore, the emotional context can also differ. Murmurs can be linked with discontent or disagreement in a crowd, whereas whispers might denote secrecy, intimacy, or urgency. In literature, a character might murmur in displeasure or discomfort, while they might whisper a secret or a tender word.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 01, 2023
Lastly, while both sounds are quiet, the intention and clarity make them distinct. A murmur is like the soft background noise that might fade into obscurity, while a whisper, though quiet, seeks attention in its hushed tone.
Levi
Dec 01, 2023
Murmur vs. Whisper Comparison Chart
Definition
A soft, continuous, often indistinct sound or speech.
Hushed speech without vocal cord vibration.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 01, 2023
Association
Can be related to natural sounds or human speech.
Primarily associated with human speech.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 01, 2023
Vocal Cord Involvement
Uses vocal cords but in a soft manner.
No vocal cord vibration.
Lucas
Dec 01, 2023
Emotional Connotation
Might denote displeasure, comfort, or background noise.
Implies secrecy, intimacy, or urgency.
Kaitlyn
Dec 01, 2023
Murmur vs. Whisper Definitions
◉Whisper
To speak very softly without vibrating the vocal cords.
She leaned over to whisper in his ear.
William
Sep 05, 2023
◉Murmur
A subdued or private vocalization.
There were murmurs of discontent among the employees.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 05, 2023
◉Whisper
A soft or confidential tone of voice.
I heard a whisper of doubt in his statement.
William
Sep 05, 2023
◉Murmur
A low, indistinct, continuous sound
spoke in a murmur.
the murmur of the waves.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Whisper
A hint or rumor of something.
There's a whisper going around about the merger.
Olivia
Sep 05, 2023
◉Murmur
(Medicine) An abnormal sound, usually emanating from the heart, that sometimes indicates a diseased condition.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Murmur
To make a low, continuous, indistinct sound or succession of sounds.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Whisper
A secretly or surreptitiously expressed belief, rumor, or hint
whispers of scandal.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Murmur
To say in a low indistinct voice; utter indistinctly
murmured his approval.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Whisper
To speak quietly and privately, as by way of gossip, slander, or intrigue.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Murmur
The sound made by any condition which produces noisy, or turbulent, flow of blood through the heart.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Murmur
A muttered complaint or protest; the expression of dissatisfaction in a low muttering voice; any expression of complaint or discontent.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Murmur
To grumble; to complain in a low, muttering voice, or express discontent at or against someone or something.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Whisper
The act of speaking in a quiet voice, especially, without vibration of the vocal cords.
I spoke in a near whisper
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Murmur
(intransitive) To speak or make low, indistinguishable noise; to mumble, mutter.
I couldn't hear the words; he just murmured a lot.
The bees murmured in the forest. The waves murmured on the shore.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Whisper
(figurative) A faint trace or hint (of something).
The soup had just a whisper of basil.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Murmur
A complaint half suppressed, or uttered in a low, muttering voice.
Some discontents there are, some idle murmurs.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Murmur
To make a low continued noise, like the hum of bees, a stream of water, distant waves, or the wind in a forest.
They murmured as doth a swarm of bees.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Whisper
(intransitive) To speak softly, or under the breath, so as to be heard only by one near at hand; to utter words without sonant breath; to talk without that vibration in the larynx which gives sonorous, or vocal, sound.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Murmur
To utter complaints in a low, half-articulated voice; to feel or express dissatisfaction or discontent; to grumble; - often with at or against.
And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron.
Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Whisper
(transitive) To mention privately and confidentially, or in a whisper.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Murmur
To utter or give forth in low or indistinct words or sounds; as, to murmur tales.
The people murmured such things concerning him.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Murmur
a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Whisper
(intransitive) To speak with suspicion or timorous caution; to converse in whispers, as in secret plotting.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Murmur
an abnormal sound of the heart; sometimes a sign of abnormal function of the heart valves
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Whisper
To make a low, sibilant sound or noise.
The hollow, whispering breeze.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Murmur
speak softly or indistinctly;
She murmured softly to the baby in her arms
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Whisper
To speak with suspicion, or timorous caution; to converse in whispers, as in secret plotting.
All that hate me whisper together against me.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Murmur
make complaining remarks or noises under one's breath;
she grumbles when she feels overworked
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Whisper
To utter in a low and nonvocal tone; to say under the breath; hence, to mention privately and confidentially, or in a whisper.
They might buzz and whisper it one to another.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Whisper
To address in a whisper, or low voice.
And whisper one another in the ear.
Where gentlest breezes whisper souls distressed.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Murmur
A quiet expression of feeling.
There was a murmur of excitement in the crowd.
Jonathan
Sep 05, 2023
◉Murmur
An abnormal sound heard in the heart.
The doctor detected a murmur during the examination.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 05, 2023
◉Whisper
Something communicated in secret or by whispering; a suggestion or insinuation.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Whisper
the light noise like the noise of silk clothing or leaves blowing in the wind
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Whisper
To suggest or imply something subtly.
The breeze seemed to whisper tales of old.
Leo
Sep 05, 2023
Murmur vs. Whisper Frequently Asked Questions
Which is quieter, a murmur or a whisper?
Both are soft, but murmurs are often more indistinct and continuous than whispers.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 01, 2023
Why do people whisper?
People often whisper to convey secrets, speak without being overheard, or communicate intimately.
Olivia
Dec 01, 2023
Can you hear the words clearly in a whisper?
Yes, words in a whisper can be clear if spoken deliberately and heard up close.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 01, 2023
Why might an author use "whisper" in literature?
To convey intimacy, secrecy, or to create an atmosphere of quiet tension.
Elijah
Dec 01, 2023
Is the murmur of a crowd always negative?
Not necessarily; a crowd might murmur in anticipation, agreement, or simple chatter.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 01, 2023
Is a murmur always a form of speech?
No, a murmur can also describe a continuous soft sound, like that of a brook.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 01, 2023
Does murmuring indicate dissatisfaction?
While murmurs can express discontent, they can also be neutral or denote other emotions.
Elijah
Dec 01, 2023
Can a murmur indicate a medical condition?
Yes, certain heart conditions can produce a sound known as a heart murmur.
Elijah
Dec 01, 2023
Are whispers only associated with secrets?
No, while often used for secrecy, whispers can also convey intimacy, urgency, or simply a desire to be discreet.
Leo
Dec 01, 2023
Does whispering strain the voice?
Excessive whispering can be straining, as it involves unusual tension and positioning of the vocal cords.
Olivia
Dec 01, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
