hello

The word “hello” means a common greeting said when meeting someone or answering the phone. In plain terms, the everyday word for greeting someone.

“Hello” is pronounced huh-LOH (/hɛˈloʊ/ in IPA).

Here is “hello” used in a sentence: “"Hello," she said, picking up the phone.”

Words with a similar meaning to “hello” include g'day, hey, hi, hallo, hiya and you alright.

The opposite of “hello” — its antonyms — are bye and goodbye.

Depending on how it is used, “hello” can be an intj, a noun and a verb.

The word “hello” dates back to around 1800. First recorded in the early 1800s as a variant of "hollo"; often credited to Thomas Edison as the standard telephone greeting, though the word predates the telephone.

“Hello” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

Both are greetings, but "hello" is the more neutral, standard choice that suits almost any situation, including formal ones and answering the phone. "Hi" is shorter and more casual, better with friends and relaxed settings. You would open a job interview with "hello," but greet a mate with "hi."

Hello sits comfortably in the middle, which is part of why it is so useful. It is polite enough for formal situations — meetings, phone calls, greeting strangers — yet warm enough for friends and family. For something more relaxed you might say "hi" or "hey"; for extra formality, "good morning" or "good afternoon."

Casual options include "hi," "hey," "hiya," and "howdy." More formal or time-specific greetings include "good morning," "good afternoon," and "good evening." You might also hear "how do you do," "welcome," or a simple "hey there." The right choice depends on how formal the situation is and who you are greeting.

You use hello to greet someone when you meet or approach them, and it is the standard word for answering the phone. It also works to get attention or check whether someone is there, as in "Hello? Is anyone home?" In each case it opens contact and signals friendly acknowledgement.