Word
umm
/ˈəm/
Definitions
01thinking or hesitating
interj. you say this when you are thinking, hesitating, or not sure how to answer a question.
interj. a hesitation marker used to fill a pause in conversation while the speaker considers their next words.
“Umm, I think the meeting starts at three, but let me check my calendar.”
“Umm, I am not entirely certain that the data supports such a broad conclusion without further verification.”
Informal
Usage
Usually placed at the start of a sentence or during a pause in speech.
Synonyms
02to hesitate in speech
v. to make sounds like 'umm' because you are nervous or unsure of what to say.
v. to utter hesitation noises while speaking; often paired with 'ah' in the phrase 'umm and ah'.
“He started to umm and ah when the teacher asked him for the answer.”
“The witness began to umm and stall when pressed for specific details regarding his whereabouts on the night in question.”
Informal
Usage
Often used in the continuous form or as part of the idiom 'to umm and ah'.
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/umm