Meaning of hello | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A greeting (salutation) said when meeting someone or acknowledging someone’s arrival or presence.
2. A greeting used when answering the telephone.
3. A call for response if it is not clear if anyone is present or listening, or if a telephone conversation may have been disconnected.
4. Used sarcastically to imply that the person addressed has done something the speaker considers to be foolish, or missed something that should have been obvious.
   colloquial
5. An expression of puzzlement or discovery.
   UK

Equivalents

Examples

“Hello, everyone.”

“Hello? How may I help you?”

“Hello. This is Marsha. ― Yes, Marsha.”

“Hello? Is anyone there?”

“I made a speaking trumpet of my hands and commenced to whoop “Ahoy!” and “Hello!” at the top of my lungs. […] The Colonel woke up, and, after asking what in brimstone was the matter, opened his mouth and roared “Hi!” and “Hello!” like the bull of Bashan.”

“You just tried to start your car with your cell phone. Hello?”

“Uh, hello? We're using a CANNON to get to the moon? Isn't that, like, dangerous?”

“Hello! What’s going on here?”

CEFR level