Hurray Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hurray

[hษ™หˆreษช ]

Definition

Context #1 | Interjection

expressing joy

Hurray is an exclamation used to express joy, excitement, or triumph. It is often shouted during celebrations or achievements. The term evokes a sense of enthusiasm and shared happiness.

Synonyms

hooray, hurrah, whoopee, yay.

Examples of usage

  • Hurray, we won the game!
  • Hurray for the birthday girl!
  • Hurray! It's finally the weekend.
  • Hurray! We finished our project ahead of time.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In sports, fans often shout 'hurray' to cheer for their team, showing unity and support.
  • Parades and festivals frequently feature the word, symbolizing joy and community spirit.
  • It's often paired with festive cheers like 'three cheers for...' to amplify the sentiments of celebration.

Psychology

  • Using exclamations like 'hurray' can boost mood and create a sense of belonging among groups.
  • The vocalization of excitement helps to physically express feelings, thus enhancing emotional experiences.
  • People tend to feel more connected to each other when sharing moments where they collectively shout 'hurray' during celebrations.

Literature

  • Writers often use 'hurray' in stories to convey charactersโ€™ excitement, adding emotion to their narratives.
  • It can serve as a turning point in tales, marking moments of triumph over obstacles in various genres.
  • The word appears in many childrenโ€™s books, accentuating joyous moments that resonate with young readers.

Pop Culture

  • Many songs and movies include 'hurray' in their lyrics or dialogues to evoke feelings of happiness and celebration.
  • Animated shows for children often have characters shout 'hurray' during happy moments, creating memorable scenes.
  • It's a common hashtag on social media during celebrations, inviting others to join in the joy.

Origin of 'hurray'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Hurray' likely comes from the Middle English word 'hurra,' which was used as an exclamation of joy.
  • The word has similarities to terms in other languages, like 'hura' in Polish and 'hurray' in German, both expressing excitement.
  • It has been used in English since the 17th century, becoming a common cheer at celebrations and victories.

The word 'hurray' is an interjection believed to have originated in the early 19th century, derived from the term 'hooray', which itself comes from the older expression 'hurrah'. The roots of 'hurrah' likely trace back to the Dutch word 'hoera', which has similar connotations of joyous exclamation or cheering. 'Hurray' was popularized as a cheer of celebration and victory, often utilized in sporting events, public celebrations, and personal achievements. As language evolved, the use of 'hurray' spread across cultures, particularly in English-speaking countries, where it became a regular part of celebratory language. Its playful and spirited sound contributes to its continued use, embodying the joy and excitement it conveys.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,257, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.