# hmm

/hm/ (US) · /hˈəm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hmm
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. thinking or pondering

interjection · CEFR A1 · Informal

you use this sound to show you are thinking about something or considering an idea.

For teachers: used to indicate that the speaker is engaged in thought, reflection, or deliberation.

- Hmm, I'm not sure if I can come to the party on Saturday.
- Hmm, that is an interesting proposal, though I will need to consult with the rest of the department before committing to a budget.

### 2. surprise or confusion

interjection · CEFR A2 · Informal

a sound you make when you are surprised or didn't hear what someone said.

For teachers: indicates surprise, mild confusion, or a request for repetition when addressed unexpectedly.

- Hmm? Sorry, I wasn't listening to you just then.
- Hmm? I didn't realize the meeting had already started while I was away from my desk.

### 3. demanding an answer

interjection · CEFR B1 · Informal

a sound used at the end of a question to show you are waiting for the other person to answer.

For teachers: used as a prompt or a tag question to elicit a response or confirmation from the listener.

- It's a beautiful day for a walk, hmm?
- You haven't actually finished the report yet, hmm?

## Examples

- Hmm, I'm not sure if I can go tonight.
- She looked at the menu for a long time and said hmm before choosing the spicy pasta.
- The professor paused, looked at the student's complex equation, and uttered a thoughtful 'hmm' before pointing out a small error in the third line.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.