What is whisper? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of whisper

whisperverb

/ˈwɪspə/
Definition & pronunciation of whisper

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "whisper" in English. It's a tricky one for some! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "Wh": This is pronounced like the "w" in "water." It's a single, consistent sound.
  • "is": This is pronounced like the "i" in "bit."
  • "per": This is the trickiest part! It's a diphthong – a combination of two vowel sounds that blend together. It sounds like "peer" (as in, "look like a peer"), but shorter and slightly more closed.

2. Putting it Together – The Breakdown:

Here’s a more detailed way to think about it:

  • “Whĭs-pər” - Notice the emphasis on the "i" in "whisper."
    • "Whĭ" - The "wh" is quick and sharp. Don’t let it linger.
    • "s" - A short "s" sound.
    • "pər" - This is where many people stumble. Focus on making the combined "per" sound like the unstressed "peer" sound.

3. Tips for Pronunciation:

4. Minimal Pairs:

To really solidify it, listen to words that sound similar:

  • "whish" (like a wish) - Notice the difference in the vowel sound.

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

  • What's your native language? (This can influence how you naturally pronounce sounds.)
  • Is there a particular part of the word you find most difficult?

Usage and examples with the word whisper in English

Let's break down how to use the word "whisper" in English. It has a few different meanings and ways to be used, so let's explore them:

1. As a Verb - To Speak Softly

This is the most common usage. "Whisper" means to speak in a very quiet voice, often so that only someone nearby can hear you.

  • Examples:
    • "She whispered a secret to me." (She confided something private in a low voice.)
    • "He whispered his instructions to the pilot." (He gave the instructions quietly.)
    • "The wind whispered through the trees." (The wind made a soft, rustling sound.)
    • "Don't whisper! Everyone can hear you." (You should speak quietly.)

2. As a Noun - A Quiet Sound

"Whisper" can also refer to the sound itself – the quiet, rustling sound.

  • Examples:
    • "The whisper of the rain against the window was soothing."
    • "I could hear a whisper of approval from the crowd." (A quiet murmur of approval)
    • "The old house had a constant whisper of drafts."

3. Figurative Uses - Beyond Literal Speaking

“Whisper” is frequently used figuratively to describe a feeling, idea, or rumor that's hinted at or subtle.

  • Examples:
    • "A whisper of doubt ran through the team." (A subtle feeling of uncertainty.)
    • “There was a whisper of rebellion in the streets.” (A growing, quiet resistance.)
    • “The rumor whispered through the office about layoffs.” (The rumor spread quietly and subtly.)

Here’s a breakdown of how to use it effectively:

  • Context is Key: The way you use “whisper” depends entirely on the context.
  • Intensity: “Whisper” implies quietness, but you can adjust the degree of quietness. You could say “He murmured” (very quiet) or “He spoke softly” (slightly louder than a whisper).
  • Combine with other words: Often, “whisper” is used with other words to create a more vivid image: "He whispered a warning," "the rain whispered through the leaves."

Let’s look at some examples that combine these elements:

  • “She whispered a prayer before opening the door.” (Action: whispering, object: prayer, context: reverence)
  • “The wind whispered secrets through the ancient stones.” (Sound: whisper, object: stones, setting: ancient)
  • “A whisper of hope remained in his eyes.” (Figurative: hope, emotional state)

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Focus on a specific usage (e.g., figurative whispers)?
  • Help you practice using “whisper” in a sentence?

Synonyms for the word whisper

Practice with vocabulary whisper

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The manager had to _____ a delicate instruction to his assistant during the board meeting to avoid disrupting the presentation.
  2. During the library's quiet hours, students often _____ to each other to share notes without disturbing others.
  3. Feeling frustrated, he began to _____ under his breath about the unfair decision, though his words were barely audible.
  4. The distant _____ of the ocean waves provided a soothing backdrop to their conversation.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following describes speaking in a very low, often breathy voice, perhaps to convey something privately? a) announce loudly b) converse normally c) whisper d) proclaim e) speak softly

  2. If you need to share highly sensitive information with a colleague in a crowded office, you might: a) broadcast the details b) confide in them by whispering c) announce it over the intercom d) speak in hushed tones e) openly discuss it

  3. To ensure no one else overhears a private conversation, one should: a) raise their voice b) whisper c) articulate every word loudly d) talk in a hushed manner e) shout

  4. Which word best describes someone speaking indistinctly or grumbling, often out of annoyance? a) enunciate b) articulate c) mutter d) speak clearly e) express eloquently

  5. When people engage in informal, light conversation, they usually: a) chatter b) pontificate c) declaim d) expound e) lecture

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: He communicated the secret instructions in a very low voice so that only his team could hear. Rewrite using "whisper":

  2. Original: The gentle movement of the leaves created a soft, almost imperceptible sound in the quiet forest. Rewrite using "whisper" or a related word form:

  3. Original: She spoke very quietly and unclearly under her breath, showing her displeasure with the decision. Rewrite (do NOT use "whisper"):

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. whisper
  2. whisper
  3. mutter
  4. murmur

Exercise 2:

  1. c) whisper, e) speak softly
  2. b) confide in them by whispering, d) speak in hushed tones
  3. b) whisper, d) talk in a hushed manner
  4. c) mutter
  5. a) chatter

Exercise 3:

  1. He whispered the secret instructions so that only his team could hear.
  2. The gentle movement of the leaves whispered in the quiet forest.
  3. She mumbled under her breath, showing her displeasure with the decision.

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