Murmur vs. Whisper — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 25, 2024
Murmur implies a low, somewhat indistinct, and continuous sound, whereas whisper denotes speaking very softly using breath without vocal cords.
Difference Between Murmur and Whisper
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A murmur is a sound that is low and continuous, often perceived as background noise or an unintelligible vocal sound. Murmurs are not necessarily intended for secrecy but rather are a form of vocalization that can express discontent, agreement, or simply be a natural sound, like the murmur of a stream. On the other hand, a whisper is a mode of speech characterized by soft and hushed tones, typically used for privacy or secrecy. Whispers are deliberate and intended to be heard only by the intended recipient, often carrying information meant to be kept from others.
While murmurs can be found in various contexts, including nature or a crowded room, they often lack a clear message and can be unintentional or involuntary. Whispers, however, are always intentional, with the speaker actively choosing to convey a message in a manner that minimizes volume and maximizes privacy.
Murmurs often convey a feeling or atmosphere rather than specific information. They can create an ambience of mystery, unease, or calm, depending on the context. Whispers, in contrast, are focused on conveying specific messages, thoughts, or instructions discreetly.
In terms of auditory perception, murmurs blend into the environment, making it challenging to discern their source or content. They are like the hum of a refrigerator or the distant rumble of traffic—present but not intrusive. Whispers, however, demand attention. Even though they are quiet, the clarity and intention behind them make the content more discernible to the listener.
Murmurs can be involuntary, such as the murmur of a heart, reflecting a natural or physiological condition without the intention to communicate. Whispers are always voluntary, reflecting a conscious choice to communicate in a subdued tone.
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Comparison Chart
Volume
Low and continuous
Very soft, using breath
Intention
Not always intended for communication
For privacy or secrecy
Nature
Can be natural or human-made
Always human, intentional speech
Communication Type
Indistinct, often background noise
Clear, intended for specific ears
Contextual Use
Expresses feelings or atmosphere
Conveys specific information
Compare with Definitions
Murmur
The sound of something moving or flowing quietly and gently.
The gentle murmur of the stream complemented the tranquil scenery.
Whisper
A softly spoken or hushed tone of voice.
His voice was a mere whisper in the crowded room.
Murmur
A soft, indistinct sound made by a person or group of people speaking quietly or at a distance.
The murmur of the audience filled the theater before the show began.
Whisper
The act of speaking in a very low voice.
The room was filled with the whispers of conspirators.
Murmur
A low continuous background noise.
The murmur of the wind in the trees was soothing.
Whisper
A rumor or piece of gossip.
Whispers of the company's takeover started to spread.
Murmur
An abnormal sound heard between heartbeats, often indicating a heart problem.
The doctor detected a slight murmur during the examination.
Whisper
To speak very softly using one's breath without their vocal cords, especially for the sake of privacy.
They whisper secrets to each other in the dark.
Murmur
To say something in a low or indistinct voice.
She murmured her agreement without looking up from her book.
Whisper
Something that is hinted at or suggested.
There's a whisper of scandal surrounding the politician.
Murmur
A low, indistinct, continuous sound
Spoke in a murmur.
The murmur of the waves.
Whisper
Soft speech produced without using the full voice.
Murmur
An indistinct, whispered, or confidential complaint; a mutter.
Whisper
Something uttered very softly
Overheard his whisper.
Murmur
(Medicine) An abnormal sound, usually emanating from the heart, that sometimes indicates a diseased condition.
Whisper
A secretly or surreptitiously expressed belief, rumor, or hint
Whispers of scandal.
Murmur
To make a low, continuous, indistinct sound or succession of sounds.
Whisper
A low rustling sound
The whisper of wind in the pines.
Murmur
To complain in low mumbling tones; grumble.
Whisper
To speak softly.
Murmur
To say in a low indistinct voice; utter indistinctly
Murmured his approval.
Whisper
To speak quietly and privately, as by way of gossip, slander, or intrigue.
Murmur
Any low, indistinct sound, like that of running water.
Whisper
To make a soft rustling sound.
Murmur
Soft indistinct speech.
A murmur arose from the audience.
Whisper
To utter very softly.
Murmur
The sound made by any condition which produces noisy, or turbulent, flow of blood through the heart.
Whisper
To say or tell privately or secretly.
Murmur
A muttered complaint or protest; the expression of dissatisfaction in a low muttering voice; any expression of complaint or discontent.
Whisper
The act of speaking in a quiet voice, especially, without vibration of the vocal cords.
I spoke in a near whisper
Murmur
To grumble; to complain in a low, muttering voice, or express discontent at or against someone or something.
Whisper
A rumor.
There are whispers of rebellion all around.
Murmur
(intransitive) To speak or make low, indistinguishable noise; to mumble, mutter.
I couldn't hear the words; he just murmured a lot.
The bees murmured in the forest. The waves murmured on the shore.
Whisper
(figurative) A faint trace or hint (of something).
The soup had just a whisper of basil.
Murmur
(transitive) To say (something) indistinctly, to mutter.
Whisper
A low rustling sound, like that of the wind in leaves.
Murmur
A low, confused, and indistinct sound, like that of running water.
Whisper
(internet) A private message to an individual in a chat room.
Murmur
A complaint half suppressed, or uttered in a low, muttering voice.
Some discontents there are, some idle murmurs.
Whisper
(intransitive) To speak softly, or under the breath, so as to be heard only by one near at hand; to utter words without sonant breath; to talk without that vibration in the larynx which gives sonorous, or vocal, sound.
Murmur
To make a low continued noise, like the hum of bees, a stream of water, distant waves, or the wind in a forest.
They murmured as doth a swarm of bees.
Whisper
(transitive) To mention privately and confidentially, or in a whisper.
Murmur
To utter complaints in a low, half-articulated voice; to feel or express dissatisfaction or discontent; to grumble; - often with at or against.
And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron.
Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured.
Whisper
(intransitive) To make a low, sibilant sound.
Murmur
To utter or give forth in low or indistinct words or sounds; as, to murmur tales.
The people murmured such things concerning him.
Whisper
(intransitive) To speak with suspicion or timorous caution; to converse in whispers, as in secret plotting.
Murmur
A low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech
Whisper
To address in a whisper, or low voice.
Murmur
A schwa that is incidental to the pronunciation of a consonant
Whisper
To prompt secretly or cautiously; to inform privately.
Murmur
An abnormal sound of the heart; sometimes a sign of abnormal function of the heart valves
Whisper
To make a low, sibilant sound or noise.
The hollow, whispering breeze.
Murmur
A complaint uttered in a low and indistinct tone
Whisper
To speak with suspicion, or timorous caution; to converse in whispers, as in secret plotting.
All that hate me whisper together against me.
Murmur
Speak softly or indistinctly;
She murmured softly to the baby in her arms
Whisper
To utter in a low and nonvocal tone; to say under the breath; hence, to mention privately and confidentially, or in a whisper.
They might buzz and whisper it one to another.
Murmur
Make complaining remarks or noises under one's breath;
She grumbles when she feels overworked
Whisper
To address in a whisper, or low voice.
And whisper one another in the ear.
Where gentlest breezes whisper souls distressed.
Whisper
To prompt secretly or cautiously; to inform privately.
Whisper
A cautious or timorous speech.
Whisper
Something communicated in secret or by whispering; a suggestion or insinuation.
Whisper
A low, sibilant sound.
Whisper
Speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords
Whisper
The light noise like the noise of silk clothing or leaves blowing in the wind
Whisper
Speak softly; in a low voice
Common Curiosities
What is a murmur?
A murmur is a low, continuous, and often indistinct sound made by a person or a group, or a natural background noise.
Can murmurs be unintentional?
Yes, murmurs can be unintentional, such as the natural murmur of a stream or an involuntary vocal sound.
How do murmurs and whispers differ in intention?
Murmurs often do not intend to communicate specific information, while whispers are used deliberately to convey messages privately.
What is a whisper?
A whisper is a way of speaking very softly using one's breath, without the vocal cords, typically for secrecy.
Are whispers always intentional?
Yes, whispers are always intentional, used to communicate discreetly.
How do murmurs and whispers differ in volume?
Murmurs are low and continuous, blending into the background, whereas whispers are very soft but focused, intended for a specific listener.
Why do people whisper?
People whisper to communicate privately, keeping the conversation concealed from others.
Can whispers be used to convey rumors?
Yes, whispers can convey rumors or secrets, often within a context requiring discretion.
Can a murmur be a sign of a medical condition?
Yes, a heart murmur can indicate an underlying heart problem requiring medical evaluation.
Are whispers effective in noisy environments?
Whispers can be effective in noisy environments if the listener is close enough, as they cut through background noise by targeting the listener's ear directly.
Is the murmur of a heart a form of communication?
The murmur of a heart is not a form of communication but an involuntary sound that can indicate a medical condition.
Do murmurs have a linguistic content?
Murmurs usually lack clear linguistic content, often being more about sound or atmosphere than specific words.
What does it mean when someone is said to murmur a response?
It means they responded in a low, soft voice, not clearly articulating their words, possibly indicating reluctance or subtlety.
Can animals murmur or whisper?
Animals can produce sounds akin to murmurs, such as low, continuous calls, but whispering, as a deliberate act of quiet speech, is uniquely human.
Is whispering bad for your voice?
Prolonged whispering can strain the vocal cords because it forces them to work in an unnatural way, potentially leading to vocal fatigue or damage.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
