Greet: meaning, definitions and examples

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greet

[ɡriːt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

formal

To address with some form of salutation; to receive or welcome with an expression of good will or courtesy.

Synonyms

acknowledge, salute, welcome.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
greet	Used when meeting someone for the first time or when encountering someone you know. Often involves verbal or physical actions like saying 'hello' or shaking hands. She greeted her friend with a big smile and a hug. He was greeted warmly by his colleagues on his first day at work.
welcome	Used when someone arrives or joins a group. It can also be used to make someone feel included and comfortable. It has a warm and inviting tone. They welcomed the guests with open arms. She was welcomed into the community with a small party.
salute	Used in a formal or military context to show respect or honor, often with a specific gesture. It has a more ceremonial or official tone. The soldiers saluted their commanding officer. He was saluted as a hero at the ceremony.
acknowledge	Used to show recognition or acceptance of someone's presence, often with a simple gesture or a few words. It can also mean to show awareness of a situation or information. He nodded to acknowledge her presence. The company acknowledged the receipt of the complaint.

Examples of usage

I greeted my guests at the door.
The team greeted their coach with cheers and applause.
As they walked by, they greeted each other with a smile.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal

A polite word or sign of welcome or recognition.

Synonyms

acknowledgment, salutation, welcome.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
greet	This word is used when someone meets another person and offers them a friendly or polite word or gesture to acknowledge their presence. It's often used in formal and informal settings. She always greets her neighbors with a big smile. When you enter a room, it's polite to greet everyone.
welcome	This word is used to show that you are happy about someone’s arrival or presence. It can be used in both formal and informal settings, often in hospitality contexts. They were warmly welcomed by the host. The city is known for its welcoming atmosphere.
salutation	This is a formal term often used when addressing someone in a letter or formal speech. It's suitable in formal settings where a high level of respect or tradition is expected. The letter began with the salutation 'Dear Sir or Madam'. He offered a formal salutation before beginning his speech.
acknowledgment	This word is appropriate when you recognize someone’s presence or contribution. It can be used in both professional and casual conversations. He nodded in acknowledgment of their hard work. A simple acknowledgment of her efforts would have been nice.

Examples of usage

She gave a friendly greet to her neighbor.
The greeting card had a beautiful design.
He responded with a warm greet and a handshake.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'grētan', meaning 'to approach or address'.
It has roots in Proto-Germanic languages, reflecting a shared custom of social acknowledgement.
Related words in other languages include the French 'saluer' and the German 'grüßen', which also mean to greet.

Cultural Practices

Different cultures have unique ways of greeting, such as bowing in Japan or cheek kissing in some European countries.
In some Indigenous cultures, greeting rituals include sharing a peace pipe or a handshake, symbolizing respect and unity.
Greeting customs can reflect social status, with formal greetings used in professional settings compared to informal ones among friends.

Psychology

Greeting someone can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes social bonding and trust.
Research shows that a warm greeting can create a positive first impression and enhance future interactions.
The act of greeting can set the tone for social interactions, impacting everything from group dynamics to individual happiness.

Pop Culture

Catchphrases like 'What’s up?' or 'How’s it going?' have become popular greetings in movies and TV shows, creating a casual, friendly atmosphere.
The iconic phrase 'Hello' from Adele's song gained immense popularity, making it synonymous with reconnecting and greeting.
Popular greeting memes often humorously depict awkward or unexpected interactions, showcasing the ups and downs of social encounters.

Literature

In classic literature, characters often use greetings to signify relationships or social standing, setting the scene for interactions.
Shakespeare's plays frequently feature elaborate greetings that reflect character traits and social hierarchies.
Modern novels sometimes explore the importance of greetings, highlighting their role in establishing characters' emotions and intentions.

Translations

Translations of the word "greet" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cumprimentar

🇮🇳 अभिवादन करना

🇩🇪 begrüßen

🇮🇩 menyapa

🇺🇦 вітати

🇵🇱 pozdrawiać

🇯🇵 挨拶する

🇫🇷 saluer

🇪🇸 saludar

🇹🇷 selamlamak

🇰🇷 인사하다

🇸🇦 تحية

🇨🇿 zdravit

🇸🇰 pozdraviť

🇨🇳 问候

🇸🇮 pozdraviti

🇮🇸 heilsa

🇰🇿 сәлемдесу

🇬🇪 მისალმება

🇦🇿 salamlaşmaq

🇲🇽 saludar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,184, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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10181 diocese
10182 quicker
10183 ultraviolet
10184 greet
10185 deliberation
10186 dwarf
10187 louder
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