hey
UK: heɪ | US: heɪ
Definition
interj. used to attract attention or express greeting, surprise, or inquiry
interj. used informally to open a conversation or acknowledge someone
Structure
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Etymology
"Hey" traces back to Old English hē or hǣ, an exclamation to call attention, akin to similar interjections in other Germanic languages (e.g., Dutch hé, German hei). Its simplicity and phonetic immediacy made it endure as a universal conversational signal. Unlike compound words, it evolved purely as a vocal gesture, retaining its core function across centuries.
Examples
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