Hi Meaning and Definition
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