whisper
A whisper is a very quiet way of speaking that uses breath instead of the vocal cords. It is used when someone wants to share a secret or avoid being heard by others in a room.
Examples
3 of 5She told her friend the secret in a soft whisper.
She spoke very quietly so others could not hear the secret.
The judge requested that any communication be kept to a whisper.
The official asked people to speak very quietly in the courtroom.
I caught a whisper of what they were saying about the party.
I heard a tiny bit of their quiet conversation regarding the event.
Word Family
Memory Tip
The word 'whisper' starts with 'wh' and sounds like the wind blowing softly through the grass.
Quick Quiz
The library was so quiet that even a ________ sounded loud.
Correct!
The correct answer is: whisper
Examples
She told her friend the secret in a soft whisper.
everydayShe spoke very quietly so others could not hear the secret.
The judge requested that any communication be kept to a whisper.
formalThe official asked people to speak very quietly in the courtroom.
I caught a whisper of what they were saying about the party.
informalI heard a tiny bit of their quiet conversation regarding the event.
The acoustic study measured the decibel level of a human whisper.
academicThe scientific test checked how loud a quiet breathy voice is.
There is a whisper in the office about possible changes to the team.
businessThere is a quiet rumor moving around the workplace.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Chinese whispers
A game where a message is passed along and becomes distorted.
Whisper sweet nothings
To say kind or romantic things very quietly to someone.
A whisper of a doubt
A very small or slight feeling of uncertainty.
Often Confused With
A whistle is a high sound made by blowing air through lips, while a whisper is quiet speech.
A whimper is a low, weak crying sound, usually expressing pain or fear.
Usage Notes
Use 'whisper' as a noun to describe the sound itself. It is often preceded by the preposition 'in', as in 'speaking in a whisper'.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes forget that 'whisper' can be both a noun and a verb. Avoid saying 'make a whisper' when you mean 'speak in a whisper'.
Memory Tip
The word 'whisper' starts with 'wh' and sounds like the wind blowing softly through the grass.
Word Origin
From the Old English 'hwisprian', which is an imitative word mimicking the sound of quiet breathy speech.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western cultures, whispering while in a group of three or more people is considered rude as it suggests you are excluding others.
Quick Quiz
The library was so quiet that even a ________ sounded loud.
Correct!
The correct answer is: whisper
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