Hmm: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿค”
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hmm

 

[ hสŒm ]

Interjection
Context #1 | Interjection

expression of thought

Used to express contemplation or hesitation, 'hmm' indicates a moment of thought or consideration. It often conveys curiosity, uncertainty, or interest in what someone has just said.

Synonyms

hmmph, huh, uhm, umm

Examples of usage

  • Hmm, that's an interesting idea.
  • Hmm, I'm not sure about that.
  • Hmm, let me think about it.
  • Hmm, I wonder what will happen next.

Translations

Translations of the word "hmm" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น hmm

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคนเคฎเฅเคฎ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช hmm

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ hmm

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั…ะผะผ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ hmm

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ†ใƒผใ‚“

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท hmm

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ hmm

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท hmm

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ 

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู‡ู…ู…

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hmm

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ hmm

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ—ฏ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ hmm

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hmm

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั…ะผะผ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฐแƒ›แƒ›

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hmm

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ hmm

Etymology

The expression 'hmm' has origins that trace back to the 19th century as a representation of thought or contemplation. It is an onomatopoeic word, mimicking the vocalization of a thoughtful noise made by a person when they are pondering something or are hesitant about what to say next. In informal settings, it is widely utilized to show that the speaker is considering their words carefully or does not have a quick response. Linguistically, 'hmm' has been analyzed in the study of communication, which suggests it serves a practical function in conversations by indicating that the speaker is engaged in the dialogue while formulating a response. The simplicity and universal appeal of this expression have made it a staple in many languages, often used in similar vocalization forms to denote thinking.