underbreath

comparative more underbreath · superlative most underbreath

1. Under one's breath; inaudibly or in a barely audible manner.

   Here, on the contrary, we murmur underbreath.

   2013, R. F. Fortune, Sorcerers of Dobu, →ISBN

   2 more examples

   Muttering curses underbreath, he jabs the beast sharply with his training stick ; the elephant is hairy and it, like the clown, is ignoble.

   1978, The William and Mary Review - Volumes 17-18, page 66

   The name, Night Stalker, seemed to find favor with Bo who repeated it underbreath several times.

   2004, John Oros Sentesi, Swanson, →ISBN

comparative more underbreath · superlative most underbreath

1. Vocalized under one's breath.

   Aleck gave a low, underbreath whistle.

   1886, Wide Awake - Volume 22, page 102

   2 more examples

   No one laughed out loud, but the smiles and underbreath chuckles added to their discomfort.

   2011, George Truett Moore, The Slave: An Incredible Journey, →ISBN

   I got underbreath compliments from people in reference to my singing, but none of them wanted to know me.

   2012, Sheila L. Ramsey, Quest For A Gentleman: Sins of the First Freedom, →ISBN

plural underbreaths

1. An utterance made so as not to be heard by most people in the area.

   Alexandra asked in an underbreath as Ramsey turned and started down the hall.

   1988, Judith McNaught, Something Wonderful, →ISBN, page 64

   3 more examples

   The underbreath of our every prayer should be, “Father, not my will, but thine be done”

   1845, Prayers for private persons, with reflections, page 105

   He complained in occasional underbreaths, correcting himself immediately with a " No, no !" and blinking briskly.

   1887, George Meredith, Sandra Belloni: Originally, Emilia in England

   "Miss Barnard," he said, hurriedly, and in an underbreath. "This has been an unfortunate thing — these words over this play. I want to be able just to speak to you about it. Can I see you somewhere? Could you come into the garden? "

   1914, Charles McEvoy, Private Affairs, page 265