intj
Uncommon
ahem
uh-HEHM
Ahem (intj) means a sound made to clear the throat, often to get someone's attention or hint at something without saying it directly. Example: “Ahem, I believe it's my turn to speak.”
intj
1
A sound made to clear the throat, often to get someone's attention or hint at something without saying it directly.
"Ahem, I believe it's my turn to speak."
"Ahem — some of us are still waiting to be introduced."
How to use ahem
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA polite little throat-clear used to grab attention or drop a hint, often with a touch of humor or sarcasm.
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- ahems
- Past tense
- ahemmed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____, I believe it's my turn to speak.
Etymology
An imitation of the sound of clearing one's throat.
Frequently asked questions
What does “ahem” mean?
The word “ahem” means a sound made to clear the throat, often to get someone's attention or hint at something without saying it directly. In plain terms, a polite little throat-clear used to grab attention or drop a hint, often with a touch of humor or sarcasm.
How do you pronounce “ahem”?
“Ahem” is pronounced uh-HEHM (/əˈhɛm/ in IPA).
How do you use “ahem” in a sentence?
Here is “ahem” used in a sentence: “Ahem, I believe it's my turn to speak.”
What part of speech is “ahem”?
“Ahem” is an intj.
Is “ahem” a common word?
“Ahem” is an uncommon word in modern English.
