Hello Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
hello
[hษหlษส ]
Definitions
greeting
used to greet someone or draw attention
Synonyms
hey, hi, howdy.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hello |
Casual or informal greeting suitable in relaxed or familiar settings.
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| hi |
Informal greeting that is slightly less casual than 'hey' and is often used in both spoken and written contexts.
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| hey |
Very informal greeting commonly used among friends or peers, often conveys a sense of familiarity or casualness.
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| howdy |
Informal, regional greeting, often associated with the Southern United States or cowboy culture.
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Examples of usage
- Hello, how are you?
- Hello, can you hear me?
informal
an instance of saying or shouting โhelloโ; a greeting
Synonyms
greeting, salutation, welcome.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hello |
Informal and friendly way to greet someone in person, over the phone, or in written communication.
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| greeting |
General term for any expression of welcome or acknowledgement, often used in formal or written contexts.
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| salutation |
Formal way to describe the opening greeting in a letter or speech. Often used in business or formal communication.
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| welcome |
Used to greet someone arriving at a location, event, or new situation, making them feel accepted and appreciated.
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Examples of usage
- He gave her a warm hello
- She received a cheerful hello from her neighbor
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Variations
- In Spanish, a common greeting similar to 'hello' is 'hola', which has a cheerful sound.
- 'Bonjour' in French and 'Guten Tag' in German are their equivalent greetings, each reflecting their culture.
- Some cultures have unique forms of greeting such as bowing in Japan or the cheek kiss in some European countries.
Pop Culture
- The song 'Hello' by Adele became a global hit, connecting with people through its emotional depth.
- 'Hello' has been used in countless movies and TV shows, symbolizing beginnings and reunions.
- Famous people often use 'hello' in speeches to connect with their audience right from the start.
Psychology
- Saying 'hello' can boost your mood and the mood of others, promoting feelings of connection.
- Studies show that people feel more acknowledged and valued when greeted warmly by others.
- Using thoughtful greetings increases social bonding and can even reduce stress in social situations.
Linguistic Usage
- 'Hello' can be used in various contexts โ formal, informal, or even playful, such as 'Helloooo!' for enthusiasm.
- The word has evolved into many variations, such as 'hey', 'hi', and 'yo', which are more casual.
- In digital communication, 'hello' might be abbreviated as 'hi' or 'hey' in text messages, showing adaptability.
Origin of 'hello'
Main points about word origin
- 'Hello' likely comes from the old word 'holla,' which meant to call someoneโs attention.
- The word became popular in the late 19th century, partly due to the rise of the telephone.
- Initially, 'hello' was used mainly as a way to greet when using the telephone, thanks to Thomas Edison suggesting it.
The word 'hello' is believed to have originated from the word 'hallo' which was used as a shout to attract attention. It became popular as a greeting in the 19th century, especially after the invention of the telephone. Today, 'hello' is one of the most commonly used greetings in the English language.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #14,778, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.
- ...
- 14775 depreciated
- 14776 steered
- 14777 metamorphosis
- 14778 hello
- 14779 illusory
- 14780 gendered
- 14781 sobbing
- ...