um
Um (intj) means a filler sound used to express hesitation or uncertainty while speaking. Example: “Um, I don't really know how to answer that," he admitted.”
How to Use Um
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA hesitation sound people make while thinking of what to say.
Purely spoken/informal; a natural pause-filler, not used in formal writing.
Word Forms
ummed past tense, ums plural, ums singular
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
"_____, I don't really know how to answer that," he admitted.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for um
See all rhymes for um →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “um” mean?
The word “um” means a filler sound used to express hesitation or uncertainty while speaking. In plain terms, a hesitation sound people make while thinking of what to say.
How do you pronounce “um”?
“Um” is pronounced uhm (/ʌm/ in IPA).
How do you use “um” in a sentence?
Here is “um” used in a sentence: “"Um, I don't really know how to answer that," he admitted.”
What part of speech is “um”?
“Um” is an intj.
Is “um” a common word?
“Um” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between um and uh?
Both um and uh are filler sounds that signal hesitation while speaking. Um includes a closing m sound and often marks a slightly longer pause or a search for the right word, while uh is shorter and more open, though speakers use them interchangeably.
Should you use um in formal writing?
No. Um belongs to spoken language as a hesitation sound and is avoided in formal writing. It appears in print mainly to represent speech in dialogue, interviews, or transcripts.