greet
Greet (verb) means to welcome someone in a friendly way, in person or otherwise. Example: “She greeted her guests warmly at the door.”
How to use greet
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo welcome someone, or for something to be the first thing that meets your senses on arrival.
Word forms
more greet comparative, greeted past tense, greeted past tense, grat past tense, grutten past tense, Greets plural, greets singular, greets singular, most greet superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ her guests warmly at the door.
Etymology
From Old English grētan, related to modern German grüßen ("to greet").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for greet
See all rhymes for greet →Frequently asked questions
What does “greet” mean?
The word “greet” means to welcome someone in a friendly way, in person or otherwise. In plain terms, to welcome someone, or for something to be the first thing that meets your senses on arrival.
How do you pronounce “greet”?
“Greet” is pronounced greet (/ɡɹiːt/ in IPA).
How do you use “greet” in a sentence?
Here is “greet” used in a sentence: “She greeted her guests warmly at the door.”
What part of speech is “greet”?
“Greet” is a verb.
Where does the word “greet” come from?
The word “greet” comes from Old English. From Old English grētan, related to modern German grüßen ("to greet").
Is “greet” a common word?
“Greet” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “greet” have?
“Greet” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to welcome someone in a friendly way, in person or otherwise.
What is the difference between "greet" and "welcome"?
"Greet" simply means to acknowledge someone in a friendly way upon meeting or arrival, such as saying hello, while "welcome" often implies a warmer, more formal reception, sometimes including hospitality or an invitation. Every welcome involves a greeting, but not every greeting rises to the level of a welcome.
Can "greet" be used for things other than people, like sights or sounds?
Yes, "greet" can describe being perceived by someone as they arrive somewhere, as in "a warm breeze greeted us at the door" or "cheers greeted the announcement." In this figurative sense, something other than a person can "greet" someone by making an impression on their arrival.
Is "greet" used the same way in formal and informal contexts?
Yes, "greet" works in both formal and informal contexts, from a diplomat greeting a foreign dignitary to a friend greeting another at a party. Its neutral tone makes it suitable across a wide range of situations.
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