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# mutter

verb (mutter, mutters, muttered, muttering); noun (a mutter)

«mutter» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. To speak quietly and unclearly, often to yourself, so others cannot hear well. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/M/mutter/#m1)
2. To complain quietly, often in an angry or grumpy way: muttering about the rain. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/M/mutter/#m2)
3. (noun) Quiet, unclear speech: a mutter of complaint. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/M/mutter/#m3)

### In the lessons

In stories, «muttered» is a speech verb that shows a character is grumpy, shy or secretive, instead of plain «said». In everyday life adults tell children «don't mutter, speak up». Phrases: mutter to yourself, mutter under your breath, mutter about.

### Examples

- «This isn't fair,» he muttered. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/M/mutter/#x1)
- She muttered something I couldn't hear. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/M/mutter/#x2)
- Grandpa muttered about the price of bread. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/M/mutter/#x3)
- Speak up, don't mutter! [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/M/mutter/#x4)
- The wizard muttered a spell under his breath. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/M/mutter/#x5)
- The crowd began to mutter angrily. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/M/mutter/#x6)
- I heard a mutter from the back of the class. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/M/mutter/#x7)
- He muttered to himself as he searched for his keys. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/M/mutter/#x8)
- “'He is coming!' said the people,” muttered old Iktomi. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/M/mutter/#x9)

### Note

Regular verb: muttered, muttering (double t already). Similar: mumble (unclear), grumble (complain), whisper (soft but clear). Good word for writing instead of «said».

## In Jewish tradition

It can mean the low, strange sounds made by people who try to speak to the dead. It can also mean the quiet plotting of nations against God.

**Interpretation.** The prophet Isaiah mocks those who consult spirits, and tradition teaches that Israel should ask God and not the dead. Psalm 2 is read as nations that plot in vain against God and His anointed.

### Examples

- And why do the peoples mutter in vain? (Writings PSA.2.1, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/M/mutter/#x1)
- And when they shall say unto you: 'Seek unto the ghosts and the familiar spirits, that chirp and that mutter; should not a people seek unto their God? on behalf of the living unto the dead (Prophets ISA.8.19, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/M/mutter/#x2)

### Note

Regular verb: muttered, muttering (double t already). Similar: mumble (unclear), grumble (complain), whisper (soft but clear). Good word for writing instead of «said».

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «mutter» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/M/mutter/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«mutter» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/mutter.html) on Mova free.
- [Trees and pragmatics of «mutter» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/M/mutter/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«mutter» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/judaism/w/mutter.html) on Mova free.