A2verb1K

Greet

UK /["/ɡriːt/","/ɡriːts/","/ˈɡriːtɪd/","/ˈɡriːtɪŋ/"]/US /["/ɡriːt/","/ɡriːts/","/ˈɡriːtɪd/","/ˈɡriːtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to say hello to somebody or to welcome them

In simple words: To say hello to someone.

Examples

  • I always greet my friends with a smile.
  • When you enter the room, make sure to greet the guests.
  • It's polite to greet someone when you see them.
  • He decided to greet everyone at the party individually.
  • The teacher will greet the students as they arrive.

Usage notes

Use 'greet' when meeting someone or acknowledging their presence. More formal than 'say hi' but appropriate for most situations. Avoid using it in very casual contexts with friends.

Grammar pattern

greet + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'great' — think of greeting someone as a great way to start a conversation.

Collocations

  • cheerfully
  • enthusiastically
  • warmly
  • be there to
  • be waiting to
  • come to
  • with
  • greet somebody by name
  • enthusiastically
  • coolly
  • with

Synonyms

  • salute
  • welcome
  • address
  • hail
  • acknowledge

Antonyms

  • ignore
  • snub

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'meet' — 'greet' is specifically about saying hello.
  • Using 'greet' without an object — e.g., you should say 'greet him' or 'greet the guests'.