What is murky? Pronunciation and usage in English

murky means . Learn how to pronounce and use murky through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of murky

murkyadjective

/ˈmɜːki//ˈmɜːrki/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "murky." It can be a tricky one for some English learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Core Sound: The word starts with a sound similar to "mur" as in "murmur."

2. The "-ky" part: This is where it gets a bit tricky. It's not pronounced like "ky" in "sky" or "key." Instead, it's a short, slightly rounded "y" sound, almost like the "y" in "yes." Think of it as a quick, subtle "y."

Putting it together:

The general pronunciation is: ˈmɜːrki (British English) or mur-kee (American English)

  • ˈmɜːr – This is the initial sound: "mur" with a slightly drawn-out "r" at the end.
  • ki – A quick, short "y" sound.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Listen to examples: The BEST way to learn is to hear it spoken. Here are some resources:

    • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce murky" on Google. You’ll get audio pronunciations.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/murky/ – This website has pronunciations from native speakers from different regions.
    • YouTube: Search for videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

  • Focus on the "y" sound: Really try to make that short, rounded "y" sound in the "-ky" part. Don't let it become a long "eye" sound.

  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some example sentences with "murky" in them?
  • Focus on a particular aspect of the pronunciation (e.g., the "r")?

Usage and examples with the word murky in English

Let's break down how to use the word "murky." It's a wonderfully evocative word with a specific meaning and a range of applications.

1. Core Meaning: Dark, Cloudy, and Unclear

At its heart, "murky" describes something that is dark, gloomy, and lacking clarity. Think of a murky pond or a muddy river – you can't see clearly through it.

2. Common Uses & Examples:

  • Water/Liquids: This is the most frequent use.

    • "The water in the lake was murky after the heavy rain."
    • "She poured the tea, but it looked murky and slightly brown."
    • "He stirred the muddy water, hoping to clear it up."

  • Atmosphere/Weather: Describing a dimly lit or gloomy atmosphere.

    • "A murky haze hung over the city."
    • "The evening was murky and damp, perfect for a cozy night in."

  • Thoughts/Emotions (Figurative): This is where "murky" gets really interesting. It refers to confusion, uncertainty, or a clouded state of mind.

    • “His thoughts were murky after the argument; he wasn't sure what he truly felt.”
    • “She felt a murky sense of dread about the upcoming interview.”
    • "The past was murky, filled with unresolved conflicts and unanswered questions."

  • Relationships (Figurative): Suggesting a lack of transparency or honesty.

    • “Their relationship had become murky with secrets and mistrust.”
    • "The details of the deal were murky, leaving room for speculation."

  • Appearance (Figurative - Often Negative): Describing something that is dull, indistinct, or unpleasant to look at.

    • "His complexion was murky from lack of sleep."
    • "The painting had a murky, indistinct quality."

3. Synonyms:

  • Cloudy
  • Opaque
  • Dark
  • Shadowy
  • Dim
  • Murky
  • Obscure
  • Vague
  • Uncertain (for thoughts/emotions)

4. Tips for Using "Murky":

  • Show, Don't Just Tell: Instead of saying "The situation was murky," try to show the reader what makes it murky. "He stared at the document, the handwriting blurred and smudged, making the terms impossible to decipher."

  • Consider the Context: Use “murky” when you want to convey a sense of concealment, difficulty, or a lack of clarity.

  • It's often slightly negative: While not always, “murky” usually implies something undesirable – a lack of brightness, understanding, or honesty.

Example Sentences Combining Different Uses:

  • "The reason for their sudden breakup was murky, leaving everyone wondering what had really happened." (Relationships & Thoughts)
  • “He felt a murky understanding of the political landscape, hampered by conflicting information.” (Thoughts)
  • “The forest floor was murky with fallen leaves and damp earth.” (Water/Appearance)
  • "After the storm, the river ran murky with silt and debris.” (Water)

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you working on (e.g., creative writing, academic essay, everyday conversation)?
  • Can you give me a sentence or paragraph where you’d like to use the word "murky," so I can offer more specific suggestions?

Synonyms for the word murky

Practice with vocabulary murky

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The financial report presented a rather __________ picture of the company's true profits, raising concerns among investors.
  2. Through the morning fog, the outline of the distant mountains appeared __________ and indistinct.
  3. After the heavy rainfall, the river water became __________ and impossible to see through.
  4. The contract language was __________ regarding the exact responsibilities of each party, leading to frequent disputes.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The ethical implications of the new policy remained quite __________, prompting many employees to question its fairness. A) transparent B) obscure C) clear D) murky E) unambiguous

  2. Her instructions for the project were so __________ that nobody was sure how to proceed. A) explicit B) precise C) clear D) vague E) indistinct

  3. Divers reported that visibility in the deep-sea trench was extremely __________ due to sediment. A) crystal-clear B) opaque C) pellucid D) murky E) pristine

  4. The politician's statement was highly __________; it could be interpreted in several different ways. A) unequivocal B) ambiguous C) direct D) straightforward E) definite

  5. The origins of the ancient artifact are somewhat __________, with conflicting accounts from various historians. A) well-documented B) indistinct C) dubious D) murky E) definite

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence: The details surrounding the sudden resignation of the CEO are not clear at all.

    • (Your rewritten sentence must use "murky".)

  2. Rewrite the sentence: Her explanation for the delay was so unclear and confusing that it didn't really help.

    • (Your rewritten sentence must not use "murky" or its forms.)

  3. Rewrite the sentence: It was hard to see anything underwater because of the lack of light and stirred-up sediment.

    • (Your rewritten sentence must use "murky".)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. murky
  2. hazy
  3. murky
  4. ambiguous

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) obscure, D) murky
  2. D) vague
  3. B) opaque, D) murky
  4. B) ambiguous
  5. C) dubious, D) murky

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The details surrounding the sudden resignation of the CEO are quite murky.
  2. Her explanation for the delay was so vague that it didn't really help.
  3. The underwater visibility was murky due to the lack of light and stirred-up sediment.

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