Phew: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
phew
[ fjuห ]
expression of relief
Phew is an interjection often used to express relief or exhaustion after a stressful experience or situation. It can indicate that someone has just escaped danger or has completed a difficult task. This expression conveys a sense of release or letting go of tension. It can also express mild annoyance or frustration. The word is informal and primarily used in spoken language.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Phew! That test was harder than I expected.
- Phew, I thought I had lost my keys!
- Phew, finally finished that report.
- When the storm passed, I said, 'Phew!'
- Phew, I can finally relax after that workout.
Translations
Translations of the word "phew" in other languages:
๐ต๐น ufa
๐ฎ๐ณ เคนเฅ เคญเคเคตเคพเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช puh
๐ฎ๐ฉ uh
๐บ๐ฆ ะพั
๐ต๐ฑ uff
๐ฏ๐ต ใตใ
๐ซ๐ท ouf
๐ช๐ธ uff
๐น๐ท uff
๐ฐ๐ท ํด
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฃูู
๐จ๐ฟ uf
๐ธ๐ฐ uf
๐จ๐ณ ๅผ
๐ธ๐ฎ uf
๐ฎ๐ธ uff
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัั
๐ฌ๐ช แฃแค
๐ฆ๐ฟ uff
๐ฒ๐ฝ uff
Etymology
The interjection 'phew' has origins that are not entirely clear but is believed to derive from imitative or expressional sounds associated with relief or evasion. It echoes the sound of releasing a breath, which is often accompanied by a physical reaction, like sighing, when one experiences relief or exhaustion. The word has been part of informal English usage since at least the 19th century, where it is documented in literary contexts reflecting human emotion. The Oxford English Dictionary notes that it has appeared in various textual forms, emphasizing its role as a spontaneous expression of feelings. Over time, 'phew' has maintained its place in everyday language as a relatable expression in moments of tension, completing a challenging task, or simply to indicate a sense of mild surprise.