The spelling of the word "muttering" is derived from the root word "mutters" and the suffix "-ing". The IPA phonetic transcription for "muttering" is /ˈmʌtərɪŋ/, which consists of four sounds: /m/, /ʌ/, /tər/, and /ɪŋ/. The first sound, /m/, is a nasal consonant, followed by the short vowel sound /ʌ/. The consonant cluster /tər/ represents the sound of the word's root, "mutters". The final sound /ɪŋ/ is the suffix "ing", indicating the continuous present tense.
Muttering is a verb that refers to the act of speaking or uttering in a low, indistinct, or barely audible voice. It typically involves speaking softly in a complaining, grumbling, or discontented manner, often characterized by the difficulty in understanding the exact words or phrases being expressed. Muttering is commonly associated with dissatisfaction, irritation, dissatisfaction, disapproval, or frustration, and may occur due to a range of reasons, such as expressing discontentment, sharing grievances, or venting frustrations.
The utterances involved in muttering may not always be clear or coherent, as they are often mumbled or spoken in a less distinct manner. This can be due to the speaker intentionally speaking under their breath or too softly for clear comprehension, or as a result of emotional state or incoherence. It can also occur as a habitual or involuntary action during moments of deep concentration or introspection.
Muttering is often done unconsciously or subconsciously, without thought for others around, but it can also be an intentional act meant to express dissatisfaction or annoyance without causing confrontation or a disturbance. It may serve as a passive-aggressive way of expressing disapproval or frustration. Muttering can be perceived as a form of nonverbal communication that indicates discontent or disapproval to others who may or may not be the subject of those mutterings.
Uttering words in low suppressed tones.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "muttering" originated from the Old English word "muterian", which meant "to utter indistinctly or in a low voice". This Old English word ultimately evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "mutijanan", which meant "to be silent". The word "muttering" is derived from the verb "mutter", which means to speak or express quietly, often in a discontented or grumbling manner.