Hey
/heɪ/
interjectionnounverbA1
Definition
"Hey" is a short, friendly word people use to say hello or get attention. It can also show surprise or interest. Sometimes, it is used to start a conversation or to call someone from a distance.
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See It in Action
To greet or say hello
- •Hey! How are you today?
- •Hey, nice to see you!
- •Hey there! What’s new?
To get someone's attention or express surprise
- •Hey! Watch out!
- •Hey, wait for me!
- •Hey! That’s my seat!
As a noun, meaning a call or shout ("a loud hey")
- •He gave a loud hey to the group.
- •Her hey was heard across the room.
As a verb, meaning to call or shout "hey"
- •He heyed to his friend from across the street.
- •They heyed loudly to get help.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "hey" like "hi" (A1 word), but more casual and often used to get attention quickly.
- ✓Picture waving your hand and saying "hey" to a friend across the street.
- ✓It's the feeling when you want to say hello in a fun, easy way or when you want someone to listen.
- ✓Sounds like "hay" (the dry grass) → imagine shouting "hey!" while standing in a field of hay to get a friend's attention.
- ✓In cartoons and movies, characters often say "hey!" loudly to surprise or call someone.
- ✓NOT like "hello" (more formal and polite), "hey" is more relaxed and informal.
- ✓NOT like "shout" (very loud and serious), "hey" can be soft or loud depending on the situation.
Try Other Words
- •Hello: a polite greeting (Use when you want to sound more formal or polite)
- •Hi: a simple greeting (Use in everyday situations, a bit more polite than "hey")
- •Yo: a very casual greeting or call (Use in informal settings or with close friends)
- •Listen: to get attention (Use to focus more on making someone hear or pay attention)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: single syllable, no prefix or suffix
- •Etymology: Old English "hē" or "hēa," used as a call to attract attention
- •Historical development: Used for centuries as a way to greet or call someone; spelling standardized to "hey" in modern English
- •Modern usage: Very common in spoken English for greetings, calls, or to express surprise; informal and friendly tone
- •Interesting fact: "Hey" is often the first word children learn to call others or greet friends
Reflect & Connect
•How does the tone of "hey" change the meaning when you say it softly versus loudly?
•When is it better to use "hey" instead of "hello" or "hi" in a conversation?
Fill in the blanks
1.When you want to greet a friend casually, you say "hey" ___ a big smile.
2.If someone is far away and you want to get their attention, you might shout "hey" ___.
3.Saying "hey" softly can show you want to ___ someone without disturbing others.
4."Hey" is different from "hello" because it is more ___ and friendly.
5.When surprised by a sudden event, people often say "hey" to ___ their feelings.
6.You can use "hey" as a verb when you ___ loudly to someone.
7.If someone says "hey" and you don't answer, they might say it again to ___ your attention.