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greetings
/ˈɡriːtɪŋz/
words or gestures used to welcome or acknowledge someone
She sent warm greetings to her friends across the ocean.
She expressed friendly messages to her friends who were far away.
formalinformal
Words or gestures used to welcome, acknowledge, or express goodwill to someone
The host gave a friendly greeting to each guest as they arrived.
The host welcomed each guest with a friendly gesture or phrase.
He sent his greetings through a video message.
He expressed his friendly wishes through a recorded video.
Greetings can be verbal (e.g., 'hello', 'good morning') or non-verbal (e.g., a wave, a bow).
Collocations
warm greetingsfriendly and affectionate welcomeexchange greetingsto greet each othersend greetingsto convey a message of goodwill
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Cultural Awareness
Greetings vary by culture. For example, in some cultures, a handshake is common, while in others, a bow or a kiss on the cheek may be more appropriate.
Gold Rule
Appropriate Greetings
Choose greetings based on the context—formal, informal, or casual—to ensure respect and clarity.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'gretinge', from Old English 'grēting', from 'grētan' (to greet).
Usage Notes
Greetings are commonly used in social, professional, and formal settings. They can vary widely across cultures.
Word Breakdown
greet
to welcome or acknowledge someone
root-ings
indicates a noun form derived from a verb
suffixEnglish Dictionary