hmm

intj, verb — 4 senses

hmm

intj

UK, US /hm̩/

Etymology See hum.

1

Indicates thinking or pondering.

Hmm... that's an interesting idea.
Hmm... I just can't decide between the two.

1 more example

Hmm... creation or evolution? That’s the big question.

2

Indicates surprise or cluelessness; especially a response by a person who is questioned or addressed when not expecting it.

"You there! Where are you going?" "Hmm? Oh, I just need to get a drink."
"Could you pass me the paring knife?" "Hmm? What's a paring knife?"

1 more example

Jeeves: Foreign travel often liberates emotions best kept in check, sir. The air of North America is notoriously stimulating in this regard, as witness the regrettable behavior of its inhabitants in 1776. B. Wooster: Hmm? What happened in 1776, Jeeves? Jeeves: I prefer not to dwell on it, if it's convenient to you, sir.May 12 1991, “Kidnapped!”, in Jeeves and Wooster, season 2, episode 5:

3

A demand for an answer to a question.

Just where were you until 2 a.m.? Hmm?

Synonyms: hnn

hmm

verb

Etymology See hum.

1

To make a thoughtful humming noise.

Related terms: hrmph, humph, hmph, mm-hmm

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.