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bumble

Elementary (A2)

IPA: /ˈbʌm.bəl/

KK: /ˈbʌmbl/

intransitive verb
Definition

To move or act in a clumsy or awkward way, often making a buzzing sound.


Example

The bee began to bumble around the garden, searching for flowers.


Tense Forms

Past: bumbled

Past Participle: bumbled


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear me bumble through that presentation yesterday?
Sloth B
Yeah, but I thought you did great overall!
Sloth A
Thanks! I really didn't mean to bumble my way through the main points.
Sloth B
No worries, everyone makes mistakes; it happens to the best of us.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
buzz
falter
blunder
Antonyms
succeed
excel
perform
noun
Definition

A low, humming sound that is often made by bees or other insects.


Example

The bumble of the bees filled the garden on a warm summer day.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear that soft bumble outside?
Sloth B
Yeah, it sounds so peaceful and calming.
Sloth A
I love how it adds to the atmosphere of the garden.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To do something in a clumsy or careless way, often resulting in mistakes or failures.


Example

He bumbled through the presentation, forgetting important points.


Tense Forms

Past: bumbled

Past Participle: bumbled


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see how I bumbled the recipe yesterday?
Sloth B
Oh no, what happened?
Sloth A
I accidentally added salt instead of sugar!
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Bumble → This word originates from Middle English 'bumblen', which is imitative of the sound of a buzzing or humming noise. The original meaning relates to making a buzzing sound, often associated with bees.

Memory Tip

Imagine the sound of a bee buzzing around — that's what 'bumble' means, to make a buzzing noise.

Visually Confused Words
umble
bejumble
wumble
tumble
rumble
numble
mumble
jumble
Is this page helpful?
Absolutely! It makes me want to sit outside and relax.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
buzz
hum
drone
Antonyms
silence
quiet
stillness
That's a classic mistake; it happens to the best of us.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
bungle
botch
mishandle
Antonyms
succeed
master
execute