mutter
verb C2
Plain meaning
to speak quietly and unclearly, often because of anger or embarrassment
Exam-register meaning
In formal or high-level texts, it is used to describe to speak quietly and unclearly, often because of anger or embarrassment, often with a precise or specialised tone.
In context
naturalThe team tried to mutter the problem before it became serious.
examThe report argues that institutions should mutter ineffective practices through evidence-based reform.
Common collocations
mutter a proposalmutter the issuemutter in practice
Watch out
Do not use “mutter” with every object. Check the object that follows it and avoid using it when a simpler verb is more natural.
Word family
muttering (verb form)muttered (past/participle, where regular)