whispering
/ˈwɪs.pər/ (bre, ipa) · [wˈɪspɚɪŋ] /ˈwɪs.pɚ/ (ame, ipa) · [wˈɪspɚɪŋ] /ˈ(h)wi-sp(ə-)riŋ/ (ame, mw)
whispering — verb
- whisperingpresent simple I / you / we / they
- whisperings3rd person singular
- whisperinging-ing form
- whisperingedpast simple
1. to use your breath to form words so quietly that only someone right next to you
to use your breath to form words so quietly that only someone right next to you can understand what is being said, typically to keep others from overhearing.
Theo whispered to Naoko that the meeting had been cancelled.
whisper + to + person + that-clause
"Be quiet, the baby is sleeping," Amihan whispered.
whisper + direct speech
The children whispered among themselves during the long ceremony.
Kasia whispered something into her mother's ear and giggled.
Trang leaned across the table and whispered, "I have a secret to tell you."
文法句型
whisper + to + person
whisper + that-clause
whisper + direct speech
用法筆記
Frequently used with an indirect object introduced by 'to': 'whispered to her friend'. Direct speech can follow without a conjunction.
常見錯誤
2. to suggest or pass on information secretly, especially about someone's private l
to suggest or pass on information secretly, especially about someone's private life, when its truth is uncertain.
Ilan whispered that the director had accepted a bribe from the contractor.
whisper + that-clause for rumours
In every small town, someone is always whispering about the neighbours.
whisper + about + noun
It was whispered around the office that the manager had been fired for stealing.
Various people were whispering that the prince had left the country after the failed uprising.
- confirm
to state that something is definitely true, supported by evidence
文法句型
whisper + that-clause
whisper + about + noun
用法筆記
Often used in the passive ('it is whispered that…') to avoid naming the source of the information. Common in contexts involving scandal or gossip.
常見錯誤
whispering — noun
1. speech produced by using the breath rather than vibrating the vocal cords, so th
speech produced by using the breath rather than vibrating the vocal cords, so that only listeners who are very near can understand the words.
Mert answered in a whisper, afraid to wake the baby.
in a whisper
The librarian's voice dropped to a whisper when she mentioned the old manuscript.
drop to a whisper
The students spoke in whispers so the teacher would not hear them.
Ife struggled to understand the patient's whisper through the oxygen mask.
文法句型
in a whisper
in whispers
drop to a whisper
用法筆記
Commonly appears in fixed phrases like 'in a whisper', 'in whispers', and 'drop to a whisper'. Can be used as an uncountable noun ('Whispering is not allowed in the exam').
2. a piece of unconfirmed information or gossip that spreads from person to person
a piece of unconfirmed information or gossip that spreads from person to person in a private manner.
Whispers about the mayor's secret finances soon reached the newsroom.
whispers about [topic]
Christopher had heard whispers that the factory was going to close.
hear whispers + that-clause
There were whispers of corruption among senior staff at the hospital.
Whispers of a merger between the two banks had been circulating for months.
- rumour
more direct and common; 'whispers' is slightly more secretive in tone
- gossip
focuses on personal or trivial matters, often less serious
- speculation
more formal; based on incomplete information, not necessarily about private matters
- confirmation
a statement or proof that something is definitely true
- fact
information that is known to be true and can be proven
文法句型
whispers + of + noun
whispers + about + noun
whispers + that-clause
用法筆記
Typically used in the plural form 'whispers', even when referring to a single piece of gossip. Often followed by 'of', 'about', or a that-clause.
3. a soft, continuous noise that resembles the sound of a person whispering, for ex
a soft, continuous noise that resembles the sound of a person whispering, for example leaves moving in the wind or fabric brushing against itself.
The only sound was the whisper of silk as the bride walked down the aisle.
the whisper of [fabric]
Old Mr. Kim sat on the porch listening to the whisper of the wind through the bamboo.
A soft whisper of rain against the window lulled the children to sleep.
The whisper of dry leaves on the pavement was the only sound in the quiet street.
文法句型
the whisper of + noun
用法筆記
Used in descriptive or literary writing to characterise gentle natural sounds. The pattern 'the whisper of + noun' is the most common form.
whispering — adjective
- whisperingpositive
- more whisperingcomparative
- most whisperingsuperlative
1. producing a gentle, continuous, low sound like that of quiet speech or light mov
producing a gentle, continuous, low sound like that of quiet speech or light movement.
The whispering leaves of the poplar trees gave the garden a peaceful feeling.
whispering + leaves / trees
A whispering stream ran through the valley, barely audible from the trail above.
Sakura and her younger brother lay in bed listening to the whispering rain on the roof.
The whispering breeze carried the scent of jasmine through the open window.
- roaring
producing a very loud, deep sound
- thundering
making an extremely loud, heavy sound
文法句型
whispering + noun
用法筆記
Common in nature writing and descriptive prose. Typically used before a noun (attributive position) to describe sounds made by natural elements.