whisper
WIS-per
/ˈwɪspər/
A rumor or soft, spoken piece of gossip passed privately; to speak very softly.
In the context of gossip, a whisper represents the quiet, stealthy way rumors travel before they become public knowledge. It implies secrecy and intimacy.
The story behind the word. From the Old English 'hwisprian', which is of imitative (onomatopoeic) origin. The word itself mimics the soft, rustling sound of quiet speech, mimicking the very action it describes.
Word relationships
- murmur: A murmur is a low, continuous sound, whereas a whisper is specifically a quiet, articulated statement meant for only a few ears.
- shout: A shout is loud and public, while a whisper is quiet and private.
Commonly confused with
- statement: A statement is formal and clear, while a whisper is secretive and unverified.
Word family
- whispering (noun): The action of speaking in whispers.
- whisperer (noun): A person who whispers.
Collocations
- whisper of scandal
- whisper campaign
- hushed whisper
Example sentences
- "A whisper of scandal began to circulate through the small town after the stranger's abrupt departure." Social scandal
Memory hook
The word 'whisper' sounds like the wind blowing through dry leaves—soft and quiet. The sound of a secret passing by.
When not to use
Do not use whisper to describe loud, public accusations or formal written statements.
Fun facts
- In political history, a 'whisper campaign' is a systematic, stealthy method of spreading negative rumors about a candidate to avoid direct accountability.
Related words
Explore more words
confide, speechless, secluded, unobtrusive, confidant, snide
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