Whisper vs Murmur vs Mumble - English In A Minute

I'm Georgina from BBC Learning English.

Do you ever wonder about the differences between

'Whisper', 'Murmur' and 'Mumble'?

They are all used to describe different ways

of speaking quietly.

'Whisper' means 'to speak quietly, often on purpose,

so that only someone very close

can hear what you're saying'.

'I don’t want everyone to hear!

I’ll have to whisper.'

'I've got a secret to tell you.

I'll have to whisper it though.'

'Murmur' means 'to speak quietly, often

in a low continuous voice, so it's hard to understand'.

'I love you,’ she murmured in her sleep!'

'Do you want to go for a coffee?'

I can't hear what you are saying. Stop murmuring!

'Mumble' means 'to speak quietly, often

in a low voice, making it difficult understand'.

'She’s always mumbling and complaining very

quietly so I can’t hear! It drives me mad!'

'I’m really sorry I shouldn’t have eaten the last biscuit!'

That was a really mumbled apology.

I could hardly hear it!

Bye!