Hi
Alternative forms
Origin
American English (first recorded reference is to speech of a Kansas Indian), originally to attract attention, probably a variant of Middle English hy, hey (circa 1475) also an exclamation to call attention.
Interjection
- A friendly, informal, casual greeting said when meeting someone.Hi, how are you?I just dropped by to say “hiâ€.
- An exclamation to call attention.
- 1913, Joseph C. Lincoln, Mr. Pratt's Patients Chapter 7, 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.
Synonyms
- (friendly informal greeting) hello
Adjective
hi- , often hyphenated.Get hi-quality videos here!Next, set the burner to hi''.
Noun
hi (no attested plural)- "Hi" or similar greeting.