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Hurrah Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hurrah

[hʊˈrɑː ]

Definition

Context #1 | Interjection

expression of joy

Hurrah is an exclamation used to express joy, approval, or excitement. It is often shouted in celebration or triumph. The term conveys enthusiasm and can be used in various social contexts. Hurrah has been popularized in both spoken language and written works. It serves as a rallying cry in moments of victory or achievement.

Synonyms

bravo, cheers, hooray, hurray, yay.

Examples of usage

  • Hurrah for the winning team!
  • After hearing the good news, everyone shouted hurrah.
  • The crowd cheered with a loud hurrah.
  • Hurrah, we made it to the finish line!
  • She raised her arms and yelled hurrah.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, similar expressions are used to convey joy, such as 'hooray' in English or 'ole' in Spanish-speaking regions.
  • During celebrations, 'hurrah' is often shouted collectively to express communal happiness, like during parades or sports events.
  • It was historically used in military contexts to boost morale among troops during battles.

Pop Culture

  • In literature, various authors have written about moments of victory and celebration using the term to capture the excitement.
  • The word has appeared in numerous songs and movies, symbolizing joyous triumphs, and is a staple in celebratory speeches.
  • It often features in children's books as a way to convey joy during events like parties and holidays.

Psychology

  • 'Hurrah' can trigger positive emotions; vocalizing excitement is linked to mood elevation and social bonding.
  • Expressions like 'hurrah' can release endorphins, contributing to feelings of happiness and camaraderie.
  • Celebratory shouts can strengthen group identity and cohesion, making people feel part of something larger.

Linguistic Popularity

  • 'Hurrah' has influenced many languages and dialects around the world, adapting to various cultural contexts for expressions of cheer.
  • It is often used in conjunction with other expressions of joy, creating unique phrases like 'hip hip hurrah!' in celebrations.
  • The versatility of 'hurrah' allows for its use in various tones, from casual to formal events, showcasing its flexibility in language.

Origin of 'hurrah'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'hurrah' is believed to have originated in the early 19th century, possibly derived from the earlier word 'huzza'.
  • Some theories suggest 'hurrah' may have roots in languages such as Turkish, where 'hurra' was used as a rallying cry.
  • It was adopted by English speakers as a celebratory exclamation, especially associated with military victories.

The word 'hurrah' has its origins in the early 19th century and is believed to be derived from the Middle English word 'hurra,' which was an exclamation used for joy or encouragement. It is likely influenced by similar expressions from various languages that convey excitement and approval. The usage of 'hurrah' surged in popularity during celebrations, particularly in military contexts where it served as a battle cry or cheer. Over the years, 'hurrah' has become a staple in English-speaking societies, often associated with festivities, sports events, and other joyous occasions. Its phonetic structure makes it a short, punchy exclamation that perfectly captures the spirit of elation.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,738, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.