whisperers
|whis-per-ers|
🇺🇸
/ˈwɪspərərz/
🇬🇧
/ˈwɪspərəz/
(whisperer)
soft, secret speech / subtle influence
Etymology
'whisperer' originates from English, specifically formed from the verb 'whisper' plus the agentive suffix '-er'.
'whisper' changed from Old English 'hwisprian' (or related forms) to Middle English forms such as 'whispren' and eventually became modern English 'whisper'; the agentive suffix '-er' later produced 'whisperer'.
Initially it referred to making a soft or hissing sound and then to speaking very quietly; over time the agent form 'whisperer' took on both literal meanings (one who whispers) and figurative senses (one who influences or handles others subtly).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
people who speak very quietly or in a low voice — literally those who whisper.
The whisperers in the next room made it hard to hear the lecture.
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Noun 2
people who spread rumors or secret information quietly; secret informants or rumor-mongers.
Political whisperers circulated rumours about the candidate before the debate.
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Noun 3
people who have a special, often gentle skill in handling or calming animals (as in 'horse whisperers').
The whisperers worked patiently until the frightened foal accepted them.
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Noun 4
people who influence or advise others quietly and behind the scenes — advisors who use subtlety rather than direct instruction.
Corporate whisperers guided the CEO's decisions without ever appearing in public.
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Last updated: 2025/11/19 01:33