Greet: meaning, definitions and examples

👋

Add to dictionary

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.

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

Etymology

The word 'greet' has Old English origins, coming from the word 'gretan' which meant 'to come together, meet, offer, express.' Over time, the meaning evolved to include expressions of welcome and acknowledgment. The usage of 'greet' has remained consistent in English, retaining its core meaning of showing goodwill and courtesy.

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.

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