Quote:
Originally Posted by maianhvk
Take the word "grumble" for instance: by experiences, I know that people "grumble" when they're upset, and that word describes when they're likely to talk quietly a little more than usually, with sarcastic or bitter comments.
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I know it was just an example, but it's fun the hear how others interpret words. Grumbling is not really sarcastic or bitter, but is complaining in a half-hearted kind of a way, not a serious protest that is expected to be paid attention to.
You're right about the quietly. It has a connection in my mind (spurious or not) with growl and rumble.
Someone might grumble when ordered to do something, but if they only grumble about it, they're still going to obey the order.