Greet
/ɡriːt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo address someone with a polite word or sign of welcome or recognition.
/ɡriːt/
To give a polite word or sign of welcome or recognition to someone.
He greeted his friends with a warm smile.
💡 Simply: It's like saying 'hello' or waving to someone when you see them. You're showing you're happy to see them or acknowledging their presence. Imagine seeing your friend – you'd greet them with a wave, right?
👶 For kids: To say 'Hi' to someone.
More Examples
I greeted the guests at the door.
She greeted him with a hug.
How It's Used
"When entering a store, it's polite to greet the employees."
"The ambassador was greeted with a formal ceremony."
"Upon arriving at the hotel, the staff greeted us warmly."
To respond to a situation or an event in a particular way.
/ɡriːt/
To react to something in a particular way.
The announcement was greeted with silence.
💡 Simply: It's like how you react when something happens. If you hear a funny joke, you might greet it with laughter. If you're surprised, you might greet it with a gasp.
👶 For kids: To show how you feel about something.
More Examples
The news was greeted with cheers.
The new law was greeted with protests.
How It's Used
"The news was greeted with mixed reactions."
"The dawn was greeted with a symphony of birdsong."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
greet with open arms
To welcome someone enthusiastically and warmly.
"The family greeted their long-lost relative with open arms."
a greeting card
A card that sends a message of recognition, affection, or other sentiment.
"She received a birthday greeting card from her best friend."
From Old English grētan 'to salute, address'. Related to German grüßen and Dutch groeten, all from a Germanic root.
Used extensively in classical literature to indicate a form of salutation or acknowledgement.
Memory tip
Think of a friendly 'treat' for your friends – you greet them with a smile!
Word Origin
"to salute, address"