whisper

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English | 2009 | 700+ words | Copyright

whis·per / ˈ(h)wispər/ • v. [intr.] speak very softly using one's breath without one's vocal cords, esp. for the sake of privacy: Alison was whispering in his ear | [tr.] he managed to whisper a faint goodbye | [with direct speech] “Are you all right?” he whispered. ∎ poetic/lit. (of leaves, wind, or water) rustle or murmur softly. ∎ (be whispered) be rumored: it was whispered that he would soon die. • n. a soft or confidential tone of voice; a whispered word or phrase: she spoke in a whisper. ∎ poetic/lit. a soft rustling or murmuring sound: the thunder of the surf became a muted whisper. ∎ a rumor or piece of gossip: whispers of a blossoming romance. ∎ [usu. in sing.] a slight trace; a hint: he didn't show even a whisper of interest. DERIVATIVES: whis·per·er n.whis·per·y adj.

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