um Meaning & Definition
What Does Um Mean?
Um is used as a symbol meaning Alternative form of μm. As an interjection, it means Expression of hesitation, uncertainty or space filler in conversation. As a verb, it means To make the um sound to express uncertainty or hesitancy.
Um in Brief
| Part of speech | symbol, interjection, verb, noun, particle, preposition |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ʌm// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Plural | ums |
| Verb forms | ums, umming, ummed |
Um Definition (Symbol)
- Alternative form of μm.
Um as an Interjection
- Expression of hesitation, uncertainty or space filler in conversation.
Um, I don’t know.
- Dated spelling of mmm.
- An expression to forcefully call attention to something wrong.
Um, excuse me!
- An expression of shocked disapproval used by a child who witnesses forbidden behavior.
Um as a Verb
- To make the um sound to express uncertainty or hesitancy.
Um as a Noun
- An occurrence of the interjection "um".
Um as a Particle
- An undifferentiated determiner or article; a miscellaneous linking word, or filler with nonspecific meaning; representation of broken English stereotypically or comically attributed to Native Americans.
Me be Injun. Him um Growling Bear. Him um heap big chief.
Interjection
- An expression used to show contentment for something
Mmm, this is a tasty pie!
- An expression used to show thought or reflection
Mmm, I see what you mean.
- An expression used to show being muffled or not able to speak clearly, as well as "mmph".
- Yes.
Interjection
- Expression of hesitation, uncertainty or space filler in conversation. See uh.
Let’s see... um... how about this?
Um as a Preposition
- Around, about; after.
Noun
- Alternative spelling of µm
Synonyms of Um
The source does not list synonyms for this entry.
Um synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Um
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Um in a Sentence
Um, I don’t know.
Let’s see... um... how about this?
Um, excuse me!
Me be Injun. Him um Growling Bear. Him um heap big chief.
Mmm, this is a tasty pie!
Mmm, I see what you mean.
Word Forms & Grammar
um
um (third-person singular simple present ums, present participle umming, simple past and past participle ummed)
um (plural ums)
Words That Rhyme With Um
Origin of Um
Origin 1: Onomatopoeic.
Origin 2: Variant form of -um.
How to Pronounce Um
The standard pronunciation of um is //ʌm//, spoken in 1 syllable.
Common Questions About Um
Is um a symbol or an interjection?
Um is mainly used as a symbol, but it can also be used as an interjection, a verb, a noun, a particle and a preposition.
What is the plural of um?
The plural of um is ums.
What is the past tense of um?
The past tense of um is ummed. The present participle is umming.