greet
UK[ɡriːt]US[ɡriːt]
v
To say hello to someone or welcome them, often with words or a gesture.
v
To react to something in a particular way.
Etymology
The verb 'greet' originates from the Old English 'grētan', which meant 'to address, accost, or salute'. This Old English term is itself descended from the Proto-Germanic 'grōtijaną', carrying the sense of 'to call out to' or 'to address'. The word's journey reflects a narrowing of meaning from a general act of addressing someone to the specific, conventionalized act of offering a salutation or welcome upon meeting. Its deep connection to speech and encounter has remained consistent from its ancient Germanic roots to its modern usage.
Analysis
The entire word 'greet' is a simplex form derived from Old English 'grētan', meaning 'to address, salute, or approach'. It functions as a single, unanalyzable morpheme in modern English.
Examples
She stood up to greet her guests as they arrived.
The news was greeted with widespread celebration.
It's polite to greet your neighbors when you see them.