murmured
UK[ˈmɜːməd]US[ˈmɜːrmərd]
v
to say something in a soft, quiet voice that is difficult to hear clearly
v
to make a low, continuous, indistinct sound
Etymology
the word "murmur" entered middle english from old french "murmure", a noun meaning a complaint or a grumbling sound. this old french term was itself borrowed from latin "murmur", which denoted a humming, roaring, rushing, or grumbling noise. the latin word is believed to be onomatopoeic in origin, imitating the sound it describes. the past tense form "murmured" simply applies the regular english verbal inflection to this ancient echoic root, preserving its core sense of a soft, indistinct, often repetitive sound, whether of voices, water, or wind.
Analysis
the word "murmured" is a simplex form derived from the base "murmur" with the past tense suffix "-ed". the base "murmur" is considered unsegmentable in modern english.
Examples
"i love you," she murmured softly.
the stream murmured gently over the smooth stones.
he murmured an apology and quickly left the room.