Basic Details
Word: Splutter
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To make a series of short, explosive sounds, often when speaking quickly or while trying to say something but struggling.
Synonyms: Stammer, sputter, splutter
Antonyms: Speak clearly, articulate
Idioms and Phrases
- Splutter like a fountain: Used when someone is speaking so fast and chaotically that they cannot get their words out clearly. Example: "When he was asked a tough question, he started to splutter like a fountain, making it hard to follow his thoughts."
- Splutter out a response: To quickly give an answer, often without fully thinking it through. Example: "She spluttered out a response when her friend asked her about the surprise party, revealing the secret."
Usage Examples
Example 1: When he tried to explain his idea, he began to splutter, making it difficult for anyone to understand him.
Example 2: The engine of the old car would splutter before it finally started, often leaving us waiting in anticipation.
Example 3: She couldn't help but splutter with laughter when she heard the funny joke.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "splutter" is thought to be a combination of the words "sputter" and "splatter," reflecting the messy sound it describes?
Famous Quote
"To learn to speak well is to splutter in front of everyone; an uncertain task, but necessary." - Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "splutter" mean?
a) To speak calmly
b) To make short, explosive sounds while speaking
c) To sing beautifully
d) To write neatly
Answer: b) To make short, explosive sounds while speaking
2. Which of these is a synonym of "splutter"?
a) Stammer
b) Whisper
c) Yell
d) Sing
Answer: a) Stammer
3. Which is an antonym of "splutter"?
a) Speak clearly
b) Make noise
c) Scream
d) Halt
Answer: a) Speak clearly
4. Which sentence uses "splutter" correctly?
a) He was able to splutter all day without stopping.
b) The cat would splutter when it was happy.
c) During the presentation, she began to splutter and couldn't finish her point.
d) The tree would splutter in the wind.
Answer: c) During the presentation, she began to splutter and couldn't finish her point.
5. Which idiom refers to speaking chaotically?
a) Splutter like a fountain
b) As clear as mud
c) Speak the queen's English
d) A piece of cake
Answer: a) Splutter like a fountain
