VocabDictionary

slurring

/ˈslɜː.rɪŋ/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.verb

Present participle of slur: to speak words indistinctly so that the sounds run into one another, often due to intoxication, fatigue, or illness.

Example Sentences:
  • He was tired and started slurring his words by the end of the long meeting.
  • The police officer asked the driver why he was slurring his speech.
2.noun

The act of speaking or articulating indistinctly, or a musical mark indicating notes to be played legato.

Example Sentences:
  • The neurologist noted a slight slurring in the patient's speech pattern.
  • Vocal coaches often work with singers to prevent unwanted slurring between notes.
Share & Learn With Friends

Share “slurring” with study groups, classmates, or on your social channels.

English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “slurring”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the verb 'slur' (Middle English 'sluren', meaning to slide, slip, or smear), related to Middle Dutch 'slordig' (sloppy, untidy). Musically, it evolved from the sense of sliding smoothly between notes to the linguistic sense of running speech sounds together indistinctly.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of someone speaking while 'slowly blurring' their words together.

Frequently Asked Questions About “slurring

1. What is the meaning of “slurring” in English?

In English, slurring (verb) is defined as: “Present participle of slur: to speak words indistinctly so that the sounds run into one another, often due to intoxication, fatigue, or illness.”.

2. How do you use “slurring” in a sentence?

He was tired and started slurring his words by the end of the long meeting.

3. What are English synonyms of “slurring”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “slurring”?

Derived from the verb 'slur' (Middle English 'sluren', meaning to slide, slip, or smear), related to Middle Dutch 'slordig' (sloppy, untidy). Musically, it evolved from the sense of sliding smoothly between notes to the linguistic sense of running speech sounds together indistinctly.