Greeting
/ˈɡriː.tɪŋ/noun
A polite word or sign of welcome or recognition.
Did you know?The term 'greeting' is derived from an Old English word that relates to the concept of 'inviting the spirit' of another, making it a powerful ritual of connection.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*greetwōną
“To welcome, to invite or attract.”
Old English
OE
gretan
“To approach, to address, to salutation.”
Middle English
ME
greeten
“To salute, to welcome, to address someone.”
14th Century
English
greeting
“An expression of goodwill or welcome.”
Modern English
English
greeting
“A common expression of acknowledgment or welcome.”