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rustling

Elementary (A2)

IPA: /ˈrʌs.lɪŋ/

KK: /ˈrʌs.lɪŋ/

noun
Definition

A soft, light sound made by things moving or rubbing together, often associated with leaves or paper.


Example

I heard the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear that rustling in the bushes?
Sloth B
Yeah, it sounded like something was moving around.
Sloth A
I wonder if it's just the wind or an animal.
Sloth B
Let's go check it out; the rustling is getting louder!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
whisper
murmur
flutter
Antonyms
silence
stillness
calm
verb
Definition

To make a soft, light sound, often caused by movement, like leaves or paper being moved.


Example

The leaves were rustling in the gentle breeze.


Tense Forms

Past: rustled

Past Participle: rustled


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear that rustling in the bushes?
Sloth B
Yeah, it sounded like a small animal or something.
Sloth A
I wonder what it could be, maybe a squirrel?
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Rustling → The word 'rustling' originates from the Old English 'rustlian', meaning to make a soft, muffled sound. It describes the sound made by leaves or paper when they move or are disturbed.

Memory Tip

Imagine the soft sound of leaves moving in the wind — that's what 'rustling' means, coming from the Old English word for making a gentle noise.

Visually Confused Words
unrustling
trusting
rousting
bustling
ruling
wrestling
trestling
thrusting
Is this page helpful?
Possibly! They always seem to be rustling around looking for food.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
whispering
crackling
fluttering
Antonyms
silencing
stillness
quelling