mutter

mutter Definition

mut·ter (mut′ər)

intransitive verb

to speak in low, indistinct tones without much movement of the lips, as in complaining or in speaking to oneself
to complain or grumble
to make a low, rumbling, threatening sound, as thunder

Etymology: ME moteren, akin to Ger muttern, ult. < IE echoic base *mu- (see mope) > L muttire

transitive verb

to say in low, indistinct, often angry or discontented, tones

noun

mutter Related Forms

mut′·terer noun

mutter Synonyms

To speak as if to oneself
mumble, murmur, grunt, grumble, sputter, whisper, speak sotto voce (Italian), speak in an undertone, say to oneself, speak under one's breath, swallow one's words; see also mumble, utter.
To complain
grumble, moan, groan, grouse*; see complain 1. See syn. study at mumble.

mutter Usage Examples

Preposition: about

people: CC whimpered a bit, and muttered about people having far too good memories.

Object

incantation: These were entwined about the affected part and an incantation muttered over the patient three times.
expletive: As I looked at him and muttered a few expletives, Ken realized his air was off as well.
curse: Bodie, unprepared for his partner's sudden stop, crashed into his back with a muttered curse.
oath: Putting the gun away with a muttered oath, she whispered, " What are you doing, Fangs?
something: He muttered something to himself, about being stupid.
remark: He looked at the man for a moment, and then his muttered remark, " Drunk as a fiddler!

Converse of object

Adjective modifier

Modifies a noun

something: Carlotta mutters something in Spanish about the wrong side of the road.

Modifying Another Word

darkly: Muttering darkly about sabotage, they rejoined the rest of the fleet in time for the ten-minute gun for the second race.
again: Then, pulling himself together, he stepped forward, muttering again: " Must take my dose like a man.
still: Years earlier had blackened as they idea still muttered.
then: He then muttered that it was not easy riding such a distance ahead of the peloton.
about: Police muttered about breach of the peace but no one was breaking the law so nothing could be done.
much: The lifts at Euston were broken - much muttering from other travelers.

Followed by an intransitive particle

over: While muttering over our dinner how terrible world hunger is, we condone the system that perpetuates it by not acting to change it.

Noun used with modifier

man: One man mutters " [ well it's ] good for Bush " , evidently not thrilled.
tongue: Verse 3b: Your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters wicked things.
woman: A woman mutters something about permanence and my head floats several inches from where it should be.

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