greet - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
greet Word Meanings
- to say hello to someone
- to welcome someone with kind words
- to show friendliness to someone
greet Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
greet Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɡriːt/
US
/ɡrit/
greet Word Etymology
The root 'greet' comes from Old English 'grētan', which means 'to approach or address'. The connection to welcoming can be visualized as opening your arms to someone approaching you for a warm embrace.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I lift my hand and step closer, letting a quick wave move through the room. The moment shifts as I say hello in a warm tone and keep my eyes on the other person. It feels easy and a little brave, a tiny push of friendliness that changes the air. From there, I carry the same move into every hello I offer.
Real Context
To greet is to acknowledge someone’s presence with warmth, typically at the start of an interaction. In English, you can greet with Hello, Hi, or good morning, and the formality varies by situation: a coworker may receive a quick hello, while a host at a dinner may be greeted with a longer, friendlier welcome. Greetings can be verbal or nonverbal, including a smile, eye contact, and a nod. The verb greet is general and versatile: you greet people you know and strangers. When teaching learners, emphasize context, tone, and body language, as these shape how friendly the greeting feels, and mistakes often involve using the wrong formality level or missing the opportunity to make eye contact.
Usage Reminders
- Be friendly and clear in tone. Use appropriate formality. Pair verbal greetings with a smile. Make eye contact when possible. Adapt greetings to the situation. Don’t assume everyone likes the same greeting.
Common Misconceptions
- A greeting is only the words, not the tone or body language
- Greet means always formal in every situation
- Eye contact is optional and not important
- You must always greet everyone the same way
- Greet and say goodbye are the same
Thinking Differences
English greetings vary by formality, context, and culture; learners often over- or under-estimate politeness, or neglect nonverbal cues like eye contact and tone.
Learning Tips
- Practice greeting with a friend daily
- Vary formality by context
- Pair greeting with a smile and eye contact
- Notice cultural cues in real conversations
- Record yourself to check tone
- Learn basic greetings for different times of day
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does 'greet' mean?
A.Meet and acknowledge
B.Respond politely
C.Ignore completely
D.Argue vehemently
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'greet' used correctly?
A.He greeted the dog with a bark.
B.She greeted the sunset with joy.
C.I greeted the book with excitement.
D.They greeted the rain with a dance.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym for 'greet'?
A.Avoid
B.Welcome
C.Ignore
D.Reject
Step 4: Opposite Words
In which situation would you NOT greet someone?
A.At a job interview
B.At a family reunion
C.During an argument
D.During a presentation
Step 5: Mastery
How would you greet your teacher in the morning?
A.Say 'Good morning' respectfully
B.Start a conversation
C.Wave from afar
D.Yell loudly
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