greeting
GREE-ting
/ˈɡriːtɪŋ/
A formal or informal opening message spoken when answering a phone call or recorded on voicemail.
In telephony, specifically refers to the initial spoken words that set the tone or identify the receiver.
The story behind the word. Originating from Germanic words meaning 'to come into contact with' or 'to address'. In telephone systems, 'voicemail greeting' evolved in the late 1980s to denote recorded audio files that welcome callers before recording their messages.
Word relationships
- salutation: Salutation is more formal and usually written, while greeting applies to both spoken and recorded openings.
- welcome: Welcome implies welcoming someone into a physical space, while greeting focuses on initial conversational opening.
- sign-off: A sign-off ends a conversation, whereas a greeting opens it.
Commonly confused with
- prompt: A greeting welcomes the caller; a prompt gives specific instructions on what action the caller should take next.
Word family
- greet (verb): To welcome or address upon arrival or answering.
Collocations
- voicemail greeting
- standard greeting
- recorded greeting
- custom greeting
Example sentences
- "The receptionist gave a warm greeting before asking how she could direct the call." Professional telephone etiquette
Memory hook
GREETING is how you GREET someone when picking up the line. The opening words of a call.
When not to use
Do not confuse with a written letter's salutation in digital code parameters.
Fun facts
- Alexander Graham Bell suggested answering the phone with 'Ahoy!', but Thomas Edison's preference for 'Hello' won out as standard greeting.
Explore more words
Salutation, condolence, civility, housewarming, accent, affable
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