Word used as a greeting (5) Crossword Clue
Answer: HELLO (5 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Word used as a greeting" with 5 letters is "HELLO".Hello is a common greeting used to acknowledge someone's presence or initiate a conversation. It is a simple, friendly expression that can be used in both formal and informal settings, often as the first word when meeting someone or answering the phone.
Why “Hello” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (5 letters) meaning “word used as a greeting.” The answer, HELLO, fits perfectly:
- Word used as a greeting: Hello is the most common and universal greeting used when meeting or addressing someone, either in person or over the phone.
- Direct match: With five letters, hello matches the clue’s enumeration exactly.
- Precise meaning: The word directly signifies a salutation, fitting seamlessly with the definition “word used as a greeting.”
Hello is one of the best-known words in the English language and holds an interesting linguistic history:
- Origin and usage: The word hello first appeared in print in the early 19th century. It derives from earlier greetings such as hail and hallo, which were used to attract attention or express surprise.
- Famous adoption: Hello became standard as a telephone greeting in the late 1800s — popularized by inventor Thomas Edison, who recommended it for answering calls.
Contexts:
- Used to greet people formally and informally — “Hello, how are you?”
- Used to draw attention or express mild surprise — “Hello! What’s going on here?”
- Recognized globally as an English-language greeting, making it both friendly and accessible.
Examples:
- “She smiled and said hello to her neighbors.”
- “The receptionist answered the call with a cheerful hello.”
- “Hello! Long time no see.”
Quick crossword clues like “word used as a greeting (5)” are simple definition clues that rely on everyday, universally understood words:
- Clues involving greetings or farewells often point to short, common expressions such as hello, hi, or adieu.
- The enumeration (5) immediately suits hello, the most recognizable five-letter greeting word in English.
- No wordplay or hidden meaning is involved — this is a direct-definition clue, typical of Quick Crossword formats.
