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Meaning of Word

Hail refers to small balls or chunks of ice that fall from the sky during certain types of storms. It can also refer to greeting someone with respect or admiration.

Definitions and Meaning in English

• Hail (noun): Small pellets or chunks of ice that fall from the sky, usually during a storm.
• Hail (verb): To greet or acclaim someone with enthusiasm or respect; or to call out to someone in order to attract their attention.
• Meaning in English: As a noun, it refers to frozen rain that falls as ice. As a verb, it can mean to greet someone enthusiastically or to call someone out, often to direct attention.

History and Origin

The word hail comes from the Old English word “hæg,” which means “a shower of rain or ice.” The term has been in use since the 14th century and has retained its meaning of frozen precipitation. As a verb, hail evolved from the Old Norse “heila,” which means “to greet” or “to salute,” which itself was derived from the Old English “hæl,” meaning health or prosperity, often used as a greeting or to wish someone well.

Detailed Explanation

Hail as a noun refers to small, hard, spherical pieces of ice that fall during thunderstorms. It forms when updrafts in the storm cloud carry water droplets into extremely cold areas, where they freeze into chunks of ice. These ice pieces can vary in size, from small pellets to large hailstones. Hailstorms can cause significant damage to crops, vehicles, and buildings.

As a verb, hail has two primary meanings. One refers to the act of greeting someone, typically in a respectful, enthusiastic, or formal manner. The other refers to calling out to someone, either to attract their attention or to announce something. The use of “hail” in this context is often seen in expressions like “Hail to the Chief,” or “Hail, friend!” to denote honor or acknowledgment.

Example Sentences

1. The storm was so intense that hail pelted down, damaging windows and cars.
2. As we walked into the room, the crowd began to hail us with applause.
3. The hail was so large that it left dents on the car roof.
4. The coach would hail the players’ hard work during the halftime break.
5. The hail storm lasted for about 30 minutes before it tapered off.
6. The king was greeted with hail and cheers from his subjects.
7. They had to delay the outdoor event because of the heavy hail.
8. The team hailed their captain for leading them to victory.
9. The farmers worried that the upcoming storm might bring damaging hail.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Sleet – Refers to frozen rain that is more like ice pellets, similar to hail, but smaller and less destructive.
2. Ice storm – A weather event where rain freezes upon contact, often more damaging than hail due to the coating of ice.
3. Greeting – A friendly or respectful salutation, as used in the verb sense of hail.
4. Acclaim – To praise or applaud publicly, similar to how one might hail a person for achievement.
5. Salute – A formal gesture of respect or greeting, similar to hail when used as a verb.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Thunderstorm – A storm that often produces hail, lightning, and heavy rain.
2. Precipitation – Any form of water that falls from the sky, including hail, rain, snow, and sleet.
3. Storm – A weather event characterized by strong winds, rain, and sometimes hail.
4. Tornado – A powerful windstorm, which can sometimes accompany a hail storm, causing more destruction.
5. Ice pellets – A term used to describe the small, rounded pieces of ice that are smaller than hail but similar in appearance.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Blizzard – A severe snowstorm that may or may not include hail but is characterized by high winds and heavy snow.
2. Downpour – A heavy, sudden rainfall, which may occur along with a hail storm.
3. Frost – Frozen moisture that forms on surfaces, distinct from hail, but often occurs in cold weather.
4. Squall – A sudden, sharp increase in wind speed, sometimes accompanied by hail.
5. Stormfront – The leading edge of an advancing storm, which can bring hail and other forms of precipitation.

Antonyms

1. Sunshine – A clear, warm day with no storm, the opposite of hail.
2. Clear skies – A weather condition where there are no clouds or storms, unlike a hail storm.
3. Calm – A quiet and peaceful weather condition, in contrast to the turbulent nature of a hail storm.
4. Heatwave – A prolonged period of excessively hot weather, opposite of the cold conditions required for hail.
5. Dryness – The absence of moisture in the air, contrasting with the wet conditions of a hail storm.