Whisper
['wɪspə] or ['wɪspɚ]
Definition
(noun.) speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords.
(verb.) speak softly; in a low voice.
Checked by Brady--From WordNet
Definition
(v. i.) 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. See Whisper, n.
(n.) To make a low, sibilant sound or noise.
(n.) To speak with suspicion, or timorous caution; to converse in whispers, as in secret plotting.
(v. t.) To utter in a low and nonvocal tone; to say under the breath; hence, to mention privately and confidentially, or in a whisper.
(v. t.) To address in a whisper, or low voice.
(v. t.) To prompt secretly or cautiously; to inform privately.
(n.) A low, soft, sibilant voice or utterance, which can be heard only by those near at hand; voice or utterance that employs only breath sound without tone, friction against the edges of the vocal cords and arytenoid cartilages taking the place of the vibration of the cords that produces tone; sometimes, in a limited sense, the sound produced by such friction as distinguished from breath sound made by friction against parts of the mouth. See Voice, n., 2, and Guide to Pronunciation, // 5, 153, 154.
(n.) A cautious or timorous speech.
(n.) Something communicated in secret or by whispering; a suggestion or insinuation.
(n.) A low, sibilant sound.
Typist: Stacey
Synonyms and Synonymous
v. n. Speak under the breath, speak softly.
v. a. Breathe, utter softly.
n. [1]. Low, soft voice; gentle utterance.[2]. Murmur, sibilant sound (as of the wind).[3]. Hint, intimation, inkling.
Checker: Scott
Definition
v.i. to speak with a low sound: to speak very softly: to plot secretly.—v.t. to utter in a low voice or under the breath.—n. a low hissing voice or sound: cautious or timorous speaking: a secret hint: a low rustling sound.—ns. Whis′perer one who whispers: (B.) a secret informer; Whis′pering whispered talk: insinuation.—adj. like a whisper.—n. Whis′pering-gall′ery a gallery or dome so constructed that a whisper or slight sound is carried to an unusual distance.—advs. Whis′peringly in a whisper or low voice; Whis′perously in a whisper.
Editor: Upton
Examples
- In a whisper, he explained to me the apparition of the three figures on the platform of rock. Wilkie Collins. The Moonstone.
- My dear Miss Summerson, said Richard in a whisper, I have ten pounds that I received from Mr. Kenge. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- But there was a scandalized whisper of 'Hush! Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
- Yes, there was a sound of bells at the door below, a cry from Hannah, and then Laurie's voice saying in a joyful whisper, Girls, she's come! Louisa May Alcott. Little Women.
- He is one man, and you are many; but her words died away, for there was no tone in her voice; it was but a hoarse whisper. Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell. North and South.
- Gridley, in a low whisper behind his hand. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- Whisper it not, let the demons hear and rejoice! Mary Shelley. The Last Man.
- Here it is,' whispered the attorney, as he deposited the money on the hand of their guide. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- And of the vaulted chamber, whispered Locksley. Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
- His speech had been whispered, broken, and indistinct; but by a great effort he had made it plain enough to be unmistakeable. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- The Temple of Issus, she whispered, half to herself. Edgar Rice Burroughs. The Gods of Mars.
- He only whispered once more, Where is he? Wilkie Collins. The Woman in White.
- Here, bending towards Mr. Pickwick, he whispered in a deep, hollow voice, 'A Buff ball, Sir, will take place in Birmingham to-morrow evening. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- He's priming himself, Osborne whispered to Dobbin, and at length the hour and the carriage arrived for Vauxhall. William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- On the second day he found his wife and Sir Percival whispering together quite familiar, close under the vestry of the church. Wilkie Collins. The Woman in White.
- Whispering Sikes that there was no fear of her relapsing, Fagin took up his hat and bade him good-night. Charles Dickens. Oliver Twist.
- I have discovered, whispering mysteriously, that her natural cruelty is sharpened by a jealous fear of their regaining their liberty. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- Sarah came back with her; they both went to bed; they were whispering together for half-an-hour before they fell asleep. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
- First, I know that here we are whispering in secrecy, a pair of conspirators. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- Lying still, after that, I found that she sat down near me, whispering to herself 'Poor boy! Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
- Legree could not help overhearing this whispering; and it was all the more exciting to him, from the pains that were taken to conceal it from him. Harriet Beecher Stowe. Uncle Tom's Cabin.
- Oh merciful Death, let me see it before your arms enfold me, before your voice whispers to me, Rest at last! Wilkie Collins. The Moonstone.
- They sat wondering, in silence; or, if they exchanged a few words, spoke in whispers, as if they were afraid to hear the sound of their own voices. Charles Dickens. Oliver Twist.
- When all this was done to the magistrate's satisfaction, the magistrate and Mr. Jinks consulted in whispers. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- I sat down to look at the drawing, and to tell Marian, in whispers, what had happened. Wilkie Collins. The Woman in White.
- When they passed a prison of the State, they kept far from its frowning walls, and looked up at its bars, and spoke in whispers. Charles Dickens. A Tale of Two Cities.
- To the silence of the preceding moment, now succeeded murmurs of discontent, and agitations, and whispers and shrugs. Rupert S. Holland. Historic Inventions.
- Analytical Chemist again bends and whispers. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
Checker: Sherman