Greetings Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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greetings

[หˆษกriหtษชล‹z ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

daily life

The act of saying hello or welcoming someone.

Synonyms

hello, salutation, welcome.

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Word Description / Examples
greetings

Used in formal or written communication, especially in the beginning of letters or official documents.

  • Greetings to all attendees of the conference
  • Greetings from the president
salutation

Typically used in formal writings and speeches. Can also refer to the introductory greeting in a letter.

  • The letter began with the salutation 'Dear Sir/Madam'
  • He gave a formal salutation before starting his speech
welcome

Appropriate for greeting someone arriving at a place or joining a group or event. It can also show hospitality.

  • Welcome to our home! We welcome all new members to our club
hello

Perfect for casual and everyday conversations, both spoken and written.

  • Hello! How are you today? Hello, nice to meet you!

Examples of usage

  • They exchanged greetings before the meeting.
  • A warm greeting from a stranger can brighten up your day.
Context #2 | Noun

formal occasions

An expression of good wishes, respect, or courtesy when meeting or commencing an interaction with someone.

Synonyms

compliment, salutation, salute.

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Word Description / Examples
greetings

Suitable for informal and formal occasions, often used at the beginning of a conversation, letter, or email.

  • Greetings, team! Let's start our meeting.
  • She received many Christmas greetings from her friends.
compliment

Used to express praise or admiration for someone. Usually positive and can brighten someone's day.

  • He gave her a compliment on her dress.
  • She couldn't help but smile at the lovely compliment.

Examples of usage

  • The president gave a formal greeting to the foreign ambassador.
  • The exchange of greetings at the ceremony was polite and respectful.
Context #3 | Noun

communication

A message that conveys good wishes or regards from one person to another.

Synonyms

best wishes, message, regards.

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Word Description / Examples
greetings

Suitable for beginning a conversation or a message, especially in formal or official contexts. Can be used in emails, letters, or when meeting someone for the first time.

  • Greetings to all the attendees of this year's conference.
  • Greetings, Professor Smith. I am John, your new research assistant.
message

A general term for any form of communication, whether written or spoken. It refers to the content of the communication rather than a greeting or closing.

  • I received a message from Mike this morning about the meeting.
  • Please leave a message after the beep.
regards

Commonly used to close formal or semi-formal emails and letters. It expresses respect or good feelings towards the recipient.

  • I hope this email finds you well. Best regards, John
  • Thank you for your assistance. Regards, Anna
best wishes

Typically used at the end of messages to convey positive sentiments and good fortune. Commonly seen in cards, letters, or emails, particularly for family, friends, or colleagues.

  • Congratulations on your new job! Best wishes for your future endeavors.
  • Best wishes, Mary

Examples of usage

  • She sent her greetings to the family through a thoughtful card.
  • Please convey my greetings to your colleagues when you see them.
Context #4 | Noun

social gatherings

The act of welcoming guests or attendees to an event or party.

Synonyms

hosting, reception, welcome.

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Word Description / Examples
greetings

Used as a general term to acknowledge someone's arrival or presence.

  • He extended his greetings to all the guests at the party
  • Greetings, everyone! How are you today?

Examples of usage

  • The hostess made sure to offer a warm greeting to everyone who arrived.
  • His greeting at the door set a positive tone for the evening.
Context #5 | Verb

interacting with others

To say hello or acknowledge someone's presence with a polite expression.

Synonyms

acknowledge, salute, welcome.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
greetings

Can be used formally or informally when meeting someone or starting a message. It's often used at the beginning of letters, emails, or speeches.

  • Greetings, colleagues. Let's discuss the project details.
  • I send my greetings to everyone celebrating the holidays.
welcome

Used when greeting someone who has arrived, especially indicating pleasure at their arrival. Suitable for both formal and informal situations.

  • Welcome to our home!
  • We warmly welcome new members to our group.
salute

Commonly used in military contexts or to show deep respect or honor. Can have a ceremonial or formal feeling.

  • The soldiers salute their commanding officer.
  • We salute the heroes who fought for our freedom.
acknowledge

Used in a formal setting, often to show recognition or acceptance of someone's presence, effort, or message. It implies a sense of official recognition.

  • We acknowledge your hard work and commitment to the project.
  • Please acknowledge receipt of this email.

Examples of usage

  • She greeted her neighbor with a friendly smile.
  • He always greets customers warmly when they enter the store.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Practices

  • In Japanese culture, bowing is a common form of greeting that signifies respect.
  • In many African cultures, greetings often involve asking about each other's well-being, highlighting the importance of relationships.
  • In Western contexts, a handshake has been a traditional greeting that represents agreement and trust.

Psychology

  • Studies show that greetings can significantly impact first impressions and shape social interactions.
  • Positive greetings can elevate mood and create a sense of belonging among individuals in a group.
  • Body language during greetings, like smiling and eye contact, can influence how the greeting is perceived.

Literature

  • Greetings are often used in literature to establish relationships between characters and set the tone for their interactions.
  • In Shakespeareโ€™s plays, greetings are elaborate and can indicate social status and relationship dynamics.
  • Modern novels frequently explore how greetings evolve over time, reflecting changing social norms.

Technology

  • With the rise of social media, 'greetings' have evolved to include emojis and GIFs as casual ways to say hello.
  • Video conferencing has popularized verbal greetings that bridge the gap of virtual communication.
  • AI-driven platforms often use programmed greetings to enhance user engagement and personalization.

Origin of 'greetings'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'greet' comes from the Old English 'grฤ“tan,' meaning 'to address or to approach.'
  • In Middle English, 'greeting' was associated with the act of receiving someone warmly.
  • The concept of greeting in various cultures has ancient roots, relating back to a sense of social connection.

The word 'greetings' originated from Middle English, with the verb 'greet' meaning 'to address with salutations or expressions of kind wishes.' Over time, the term evolved to encompass various forms of welcome, acknowledgment, and good wishes in social interactions. Today, 'greetings' is commonly used to express politeness, respect, and warmth when meeting or communicating with others.


See also: greet, greeting.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,051, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.