hey

Formsheys, heying, heyed

1. 1
   greetinginterjectioncolloquial

   A friendly word you say to greet someone, much like hi.

   Like waving your hand to say hello.

   Hey, it's so good to see you again!

   She waved and said hey as she walked into the room.

   UsageUse it with friends. In a formal email, write Hello or Dear.

   Similarhi, hello, hiya

   Oppositebye, goodbye

2. 2
   call outinterjectioncolloquial

   A word you call out to make someone notice you.

   Like tapping someone on the shoulder, but using your voice.

   Hey, can you pass me that wrench?

   Hey, over here! I saved you a seat.

   UsageUsually goes at the start of a sentence. Calling Hey! at a stranger can sound rude; say Excuse me instead.

   Similarhi, oi, yo

   Note
3. 3
   interjectioncolloquial

   Used, often after "but", to show that a problem does not matter much, or to add a cheerful comment.

   The hotel room was tiny, but hey, it was right by the beach.

   We lost the game again. Hey, there's always next season.

   UsageYou can leave but hey at the end: It's expensive, but hey.

   Note
4. 4
   telling offinterjectioncolloquial

   A word you say to tell someone to stop doing something wrong.

   Hey, that's my parking spot!

   Hey, stop pushing the smaller kids around.

   Similaroi

5. 5
   surpriseinterjectioncolloquial

   A word you say when something surprises you.

   Like the sound you make when a friend jumps out at you.

   Hey! Where did all this water on the floor come from?

   Hey, the lights just came back on by themselves!

   Similarwow, gee, oh, whoa

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