whisper etymology

Etymology:

"Whisper" comes from the Old English word "hwisprian," which means "to speak in a low voice." It is thought to be onomatopoeic, imitating the sound of a breathy utterance.

Meaning:

Whisper means:

  • To speak or utter softly and in a low voice
  • To speak confidentially or secretly
  • To murmur or make a soft, rustling sound, such as the wind or leaves
  • To convey information or a request discreetly or indirectly

Origin:

The Old English word "hwisprian" is believed to have originated from the Proto-Germanic root "*hwisprô-," which means "to whisper." This root is also found in other Germanic languages, such as German "wispern" and Dutch "fluisteren."

The word "whisper" has been used in English since the late 7th century and has remained largely unchanged in its spelling and pronunciation over the centuries.

whisper relate terms

  • whispering

    Etymology The word whispering originates from the Old English word hwīsprian which

  • whisper

    Etymology Whisper comes from the Old English word hwisprian which means to speak i

  • whistle

    Etymology The word whistle comes from the Middle English word whistele which itself

  • whisper

    Etymology Whisper comes from the Old English word hwisprian which means to speak i

  • shout

    Etymology Old English scēotan to dart shoot expel Proto Germanic skeutaną Pro

  • susurration

    Etymology From Late Latin susurratiō n from Latin susurrāre to whisper Meaning

  • rustle

    Etymology The word rustle is believed to have originated from two possible sources O

  • swarm

    Etymology The word swarm comes from the Middle English word swarmen which itself com

  • talk

    Etymology Talk derives from the Middle English word talen which itself originates fr

  • rune

    Etymology and Origin of Rune The word rune is derived from the Proto Germanic word r

  • stage

    Etymology The word stage comes from the Old French word estage which in turn derive

  • mouth

    Etymology The word mouth comes from the Old English word mūþ which is believed to

  • noise

    Etymology Old French noyse from Latin nausea seasickness nausea Meaning Any

  • speak

    Etymology The word speak originates from the Old English word specan which means to