Definition of Greet
Quick Meaning of Greet
To say hello or welcome to someone when you see them. You can greet people with words, a handshake, or a wave.
Detailed Definition of Greet
To welcome, acknowledge, or address someone with words or gestures when meeting.
How to Pronounce Greet
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: The vowel is a long 'ee' sound. Rhymes with 'meet', 'street', 'eat', and 'sweet'.
Watch out: Some learners confuse it with 'great' (/ɡreɪt/); remember the long 'ee' vowel.
Origin and Etymology of Greet
Old English 'gretan' meaning 'to approach and address'; related to 'greeting'.
How to Use Greet in a Sentence
Each example shows “greet” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“She greeted her friends with a big smile at the airport.”
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“He greeted the guests at the door.”
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“The host greeted us warmly when we arrived.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Greet
Common Synonyms for Greet
Smart Synonyms for Greet — When to Use Each
- welcome
- for receiving someone in a kind and friendly
- salute
- for formal greetings or respectful acknowledgments
Antonyms of Greet
Common Collocations with Greet
These phrases pair with “greet” in everyday English:
- greet someone warmly
- greet with a smile
- greet at the door
- greet friends
- greet visitors
Common Mistakes When Using Greet
Even fluent speakers slip up with “greet”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: He greeted to me when I arrived.
- ✓ Correct: He greeted me when I arrived.
- Why: The verb 'greet' is transitive and takes a direct object without 'to'.
- ✗ Wrong: She greet the visitors at the entrance.
- ✓ Correct: She greets the visitors at the entrance.
- Why: Third person singular present tense requires 's' on the verb: 'she greets'.
Words Confused With Greet
- Greet vs Great: Sounds similar; 'great' is an adjective meaning 'very good'; 'greet' is a verb meaning 'to welcome' Compare →
Other Forms of Greet
Frequently Asked Questions About Greet
What is the meaning of "Greet"?
To say hello or welcome to someone when you see them. You can greet people with words, a handshake, or a wave.
How do you pronounce "Greet"?
The IPA is /ɡriːt/. The vowel is a long 'ee' sound. Rhymes with 'meet', 'street', 'eat', and 'sweet'.
What part of speech is "Greet"?
"Greet" is a verb at A1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Greet"?
Common synonyms include welcome, salute, acknowledge.
How do you use "Greet" in a sentence?
For example: "She greeted her friends with a big smile at the airport."