oh

[[t]o͟ʊ[/t]]

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1) CONVENTION You use oh to introduce a response or a comment on something that has just been said. [SPOKEN]

`Had you seen the car before?' - `Oh yes, it was always in the drive.'...

`Would you like me to phone and explain the situation?' - `Oh, would you?'...

`You don't understand!' - `Oh, I think I do, Grace.'

2) EXCLAM (feelings) You use oh to express a feeling such as surprise, pain, annoyance, or happiness. [SPOKEN]

→ See also O

`Oh!' Kenny blinked. `Has everyone gone?'...

`Oh, my God,' Korontzis moaned...

Oh, I'm so glad you're here.

3) CONVENTION You use `oh' when you are hesitating while speaking, for example because you are trying to estimate something, or because you are searching for the right word. [SPOKEN]

I've been here, oh, since the end of June...

The invaders have destroyed the, oh, I don't know what the right word is - the atmosphere, the ambience.

Syn:

er, erm