um
∞
4.1
- interjection
- /ʌm/
- Informal
:
eh
- And the latest information, um, is that it's kind of scary.
- um, I just
- um, I think
- um, yeah
we weren't sure at the time. And, um, we were all kind of,
- we weren't sure at the time. And, um, we were all kind of,
- not really, it's rare. Yeah, it's, um, I have a good friend,
- They would have if like the offer came through. Um, you know, like the,
- they're just getting started. I guess, um, looking for a track record of
- It just kept jumping on me and um, and that was it,
- You know, they're running across waxy leaves, um, wet rocks.
- We found a dead werewolf, um, in Isabelle's backyard.
Examples
-
Maybe, um, Charlie could help us with the garage, David.
-
I went into hospital to, um, try and sort myself out.
-
So I gotta tell you, um, I so OK,
-
what happened was, um, that at some point he
-
Before you say anything, um, I know.
-
Um, I should have these ready in no time.
-
Oh, um, and about those allergies...
-
- Um, who can fathom the mind of an evil genius?
-
And by the way, um, "Doogie Howser" -- great show.
-
I was going to say something, but then I thought, um, maybe it's not the right time.
Synonyms
∞
7.3
A short sound people make when they hesitate while speaking
∞
8.7
A sound people make when they hesitate and think
744
2.4
A short sound people make when they hesitate or think
384
9.5
A sound people make when they think or hesitate
96
8.8
A short sound people make when they pause to think
65
9.9
A short sound people make when they hesitate while speaking
41
9.5
A sound people use when they hesitate or are unsure
35
9.8
A short sound people make when they pause to think
17
9.9
A sound people make when they hesitate while speaking
6
9.9
A sound someone makes when they hesitate or need time to think
5
8.7
A short sound people make when they pause to think while speaking
3
9.9
A sound people make when they hesitate or think
2
9.8
A long sound people make when thinking before they speak
1
9.5
A short sound people make when they are not sure
1
9.9
A hesitation sound people make when they think or search for words
1
9.9
A low sound people make while thinking or hesitating
1
9.9
A low sound showing thought or hesitation before answering
Compounds
How Hesitant
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word um is a small sound people make when they hesitate or pause while speaking. It comes from the natural noise people use to 'buy time' and find their words, so today um shows hesitation or uncertainty.