intj
Common
hmm
hm
Hmm (intj) means a sound made to show you're thinking, hesitating, or considering something. Example: “Hmm, I am not sure which of these two colours looks better.”
intj
1
A sound made to show you're thinking, hesitating, or considering something.
"Hmm, I am not sure which of these two colours looks better."
""Hmm, let me think about that for a second," she said."
"He said "hmm" and scratched his chin before answering."
2
A sound expressing mild surprise, doubt, or being caught off guard.
"Hmm, that is odd, because I locked the door before leaving."
"Hmm, you have caught me off guard with that question."
""Hmm, I wasn't expecting that," he replied."
How to use hmm
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA murmured sound used while pausing to think, or to hint at doubt or surprise.
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- hmms
- Past tense
- hmmed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____, I am not sure which of these two colours looks better.
Etymology
Related to "hum" — the sound of a closed-mouth murmur.
Related words
Rhymes for hmm
See all rhymes for hmm →Frequently asked questions
What does “hmm” mean?
The word “hmm” means a sound made to show you're thinking, hesitating, or considering something. In plain terms, a murmured sound used while pausing to think, or to hint at doubt or surprise.
How do you pronounce “hmm”?
“Hmm” is pronounced hm (/hm̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “hmm” in a sentence?
Here is “hmm” used in a sentence: “"Hmm, let me think about that for a second," she said.”
What is another word for “hmm”?
Words with a similar meaning to “hmm” include hnn.
What part of speech is “hmm”?
“Hmm” is an intj.
Is “hmm” a common word?
“Hmm” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “hmm” have?
“Hmm” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sound made to show you're thinking, hesitating, or considering something.
How many m's should hmm have when you write it?
The standard spelling is 'hmm' with two m's, though people stretch it to 'hmmm' or longer to suggest deeper or slower thinking. All versions are informal and used mainly in casual writing, texting, and chat.
What is the difference between hmm and um?
'Hmm' usually signals thinking, doubt, or considering something, often as a reaction, while 'um' is a filler that marks hesitation or a pause while searching for words. 'Hmm' responds to something; 'um' simply fills a gap in speech.
Does hmm sound rude in a text message?
On its own, 'hmm' can read as skeptical, unimpressed, or non-committal, so its tone depends heavily on context. Adding a few words, such as 'hmm, interesting,' makes your meaning clearer and usually friendlier.
Do you put a comma after hmm?
When 'hmm' starts a sentence, it is usually followed by a comma, as in 'Hmm, let me think about that.' It functions as an interjection set apart from the rest of the sentence.
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