Hall: meaning, definitions and examples

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hall

 

[ hɔːl ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

event venue

A large room or building used for public gatherings, concerts, exhibits, etc. Often found in educational institutions, hotels, and other public spaces.

Synonyms

audience chamber, auditorium, ballroom.

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Word Description / Examples
hall

Used to refer to a large room or building for public gatherings, can be part of a private or public building.

  • The graduation ceremony was held in the town hall.
  • They decorated the hall for the wedding reception.
auditorium

Used when referring to a large room or hall designed for an audience to watch performances, lectures, or other events, usually found in schools, theaters, and concert halls.

  • The students gathered in the auditorium for the morning assembly.
  • The concert will take place in the main auditorium.
ballroom

Refers to a large, open room designed specifically for hosting dances and formal balls.

  • The grand ballroom was filled with elegantly dressed guests.
  • They practiced their waltz in the hotel's ballroom.
audience chamber

Typically refers to a room used for formal meetings or receiving visitors, often in a royal or official residence.

  • The king will receive the ambassadors in the audience chamber.
  • The audience chamber is adorned with priceless artworks.

Examples of usage

  • The concert was held in the grand hall of the opera house.
  • The graduation ceremony took place in the university hall.
  • The art exhibition was hosted in the local community hall.
Context #2 | Noun

entrance area

An entrance or passageway in a building, often a lobby or corridor.

Synonyms

corridor, foyer, lobby.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hall

A large room or space within a building used for gatherings, ceremonies, or public events.

  • The lecture will be held in the main hall
  • They hosted a wedding reception in the grand hall
foyer

An entrance hall or open area in a building, often used to welcome guests or as a waiting area in theaters, hotels, or large houses.

  • Guests were greeted in the foyer before being shown to their seats
  • The hotel foyer was beautifully decorated with plants and artwork
lobby

A reception area or meeting space near the entrance of a building, typically in hotels, theaters, and office buildings. Can also refer to a place for informal gatherings and discussions.

  • We met in the hotel lobby before heading out for dinner
  • She waited in the lobby for her friend to arrive
corridor

A narrow passage within a building that connects rooms or areas, often used for walking from one place to another.

  • The offices are down the corridor to your right
  • Students hurried through the corridor to get to their next class

Examples of usage

  • Please wait for me in the hall while I grab my coat.
  • The hotel's reception hall was elegantly decorated.
  • The museum's main hall featured a stunning display of artifacts.
Context #3 | Verb

to solicit or request

To request or demand participation, attention, or action from someone.

Synonyms

call for, request, solicit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hall

A large room or building used for gatherings, events, or public activities.

  • We booked the town hall for the charity event.
  • The lecture will be held in the main hall.
call for

To demand or require something publicly or with authority.

  • The citizens call for better healthcare services.
  • This crisis calls for immediate action.
request

To politely or formally ask for something.

  • She sent a request for vacation time.
  • Could you please fulfill my request for more information?
solicit

To ask for or try to obtain something from someone, often used in business contexts or can imply persistence or urgency. Sometimes has a negative connotation if perceived as pushy or intrusive.

  • Non-profit organizations often solicit donations from the public.
  • He was arrested for soliciting customers without a permit.

Examples of usage

  • The speaker hall ed for the audience's support on the new initiative.
  • She hall ed for volunteers to help with the charity event.
  • The organizers hall ed for donations to support the cause.

Translations

Translations of the word "hall" in other languages:

🇵🇹 salão

🇮🇳 हॉल

🇩🇪 Halle

🇮🇩 aula

🇺🇦 зал

🇵🇱 hala

🇯🇵 ホール

🇫🇷 hall

🇪🇸 salón

🇹🇷 salon

🇰🇷 

🇸🇦 قاعة

🇨🇿 hala

🇸🇰 hala

🇨🇳 大厅

🇸🇮 dvorana

🇮🇸 salur

🇰🇿 зал

🇬🇪 დარბაზი

🇦🇿 zal

🇲🇽 salón

Etymology

The word 'hall' originated from the Old English word 'heall' which meant a large house or residence. Over time, it evolved to refer to a large room or building used for various purposes. The concept of a hall has been present in human history for centuries, serving as a central gathering place for social, cultural, and educational events. Today, halls can be found in a wide range of settings, from educational institutions and event venues to residential buildings and public spaces.

See also: hallmark, hallway.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,621, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.