IPA: /hʌm/
KK: /hʌm/
A sound made by humming, often used to show uncertainty or to fill a pause in conversation.
"Hum, I'm not sure if that's the right answer," she said thoughtfully.
To make a continuous low sound, like a bee or a person producing a tune without speaking.
She likes to hum her favorite song while she works.
Past: hummed
Past Participle: hummed
A low, continuous sound made by someone humming or a similar sound.
The hum of the refrigerator was the only noise in the quiet room.
To produce a low, continuous sound, often by singing a tune without using words.
She began to hum her favorite song while cooking dinner.
Past: hummed
Past Participle: hummed
The word 'hum' originates from Latin 'humus' (meaning ground or earth). It refers to the sound made by a person or a low continuous sound, often associated with the earth or a grounded presence.
Think of the Latin word for ground ('humus') to remember that 'hum' relates to a low, earthy sound.