Hi Meaning and Definition

Hi

Hi

Pronunciation

/aɪ/

Part of Speech

Interjection

Definition

A word used to greet someone, express hello or acknowledgment, or to get someone’s attention.

Examples

  • Hi, how are you?
  • Hi, welcome to our store!
  • Hi, I’m so glad to see you!
  • Hi there, can I help you with something?

Synonyms

  • Hello
  • Hail

Antonyms

  • Goodbye
  • See you later

Etymology

The word “Hi” is derived from the Old English words “hailo” and “hail”, meaning “whole” and “healthy”, with the intention of expressing good health and well-being.

Usage Notes

Hi is often used in informal settings, such as casual conversations, phone calls, and text messages.

When addressing someone in a formal setting, such as a business meeting or a formal event, it is generally considered more appropriate to use “Hello” or a more formal greeting.

Cultural References

In popular culture, “Hi” is often used in greetings, salutations, and farewell messages.

In film and television, characters often use “Hi” as a greeting or to get someone’s attention.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Hi, how are you?

Hello, what’s up?

Hiya, how’s it going?

Related Words or Phrases

  • Hello
  • Hey
  • Hiya

Collocations

  • Hi, how are you?
  • Hi, welcome to our store!
  • Hi, thank you for calling!

Frequency of Use

According to the Oxford English Corpus, “Hi” is one of the most frequently used words in English, especially in informal settings.

Common Misspellings

  • Hei
  • Hie
  • Hy

Related Words