Whisperings

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Faint, hushed sounds or murmurs that convey secrets or intimate messages
2. Subtle or quiet communications often intended to be heard only by a few
3. The act of softly speaking or sharing confidential thoughts in a gentle manner

Etymology: "Whisperings" is the plural of "whispering," the noun form of the verb "whisper." The verb goes back to Old English "hwisprian," a word imitating the soft, breathy sound of speech, and the noun built from it carries that same sense of quiet, sibilant talk. The plural is used when several separate bursts of hushed talk are meant, as in rumours passed from ear to ear around a room.

Synonyms: murmurs, susurrations, hushed tones

Antonyms: shoutings