Hello

Definition

Hello is an interjection, noun, and verb. As an interjection, it is used as a greeting or to attract attention. As a noun, it refers to the act of greeting someone. As a verb, it means to greet or say hello to someone.

Parts of Speech

• Interjection
• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /həˈloʊ/, /hɛˈloʊ/
• Respelling: huh-LOH, heh-LOH

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /həˈləʊ/, /hɛˈləʊ/
• Respelling: huh-LOH, heh-LOH

Etymology

The word "hello" is derived from the earlier forms "hallo," "hollo," or "hullo," which were used to hail a ship or attract attention. It is related to Old High German "halâ," meaning "to call" or "hail." The modern use as a standard greeting became popular in the 19th century, partly due to the telephone’s invention.

Derivatives

• Hullo (variant spelling)
• Helloes (plural noun)
• Hellod (verb, past tense, rare)
• Helloing (verb, present participle)
• Hellish (adjective, unrelated meaning)

Synonyms

• Hi
• Hey
• Greetings

Antonyms

• Goodbye
• Farewell
• None

Usage

The interjection "hello" is used for greeting, e.g., "Hello, how are you?" As a noun, it appears in sentences like "He gave a cheerful hello." Its verb form is less common but can be used in contexts such as "She helloed everyone at the party."

Related Terms

• Hi: An informal greeting.
• Goodbye: A farewell or parting phrase.
• Salutation: A formal expression of greeting or goodwill.

Detailed Definitions

Interjection

• Used to greet someone: A standard way to begin a conversation.
  • Example: "Hello, nice to meet you."
• Used to attract attention: Often to call out to someone.
  • Example: "Hello, is anyone there?"

Noun

• An act of greeting: Refers to the spoken word or action of saying hello.
  • Example: "Her warm hello made everyone feel welcome."

Verb

• To greet or say hello: Used to describe the act of greeting someone.
  • Example: "He helloed his neighbor as he passed."