how are you

phrase
/haʊ ˈɑː juː/UK/haʊ ˈɑɹ ju/US/hæɔ ˈaː jʉː/

Definitions

  1. An informal greeting, not requiring a literal response. In form a question, and thus…

    An informal greeting, not requiring a literal response. In form a question, and thus followed by a question mark. Typical responses include

    • I'm very well, thank you. How are you? (formal) I'm fine, thank you. / Fine, thanks. (informal) / Fine, and you? (informal)
  2. (Following a noun phrase

    (Following a noun phrase; stress on are) An expression of derision, that the preceding referent is unworthy of the name. In form of an exclamation, and thus often followed by an exclamation mark.

    • 'Christmas how are you!' exclaimed Jim O'Hanlon ruefully. 'We will remember this one for quite a while anyway.' He was grateful that at least no one was injured in the incident.

The neighborhood

Vish — recursive loop

No curated loop yet for how are you. Loops are being traced one word at a time while the ingestion pipeline matures.

sense glosses and etymology drawn from English Wiktionary · source · CC-BY-SA