Pronunciation

/oʊ/

Definitions

• Interjection: An exclamation used to express various emotions such as surprise, realization, delight, pain, or to get someone’s attention.

Examples

• Expressing surprise: “Oh, I didn’t know you were coming!”
• Expressing understanding: “Oh, now I understand what you meant.”
• Expressing dismay: “Oh no, I just spilled coffee on my shirt.”
• Attracting attention: “Oh, excuse me, could you tell me the time?”

Phrases

• “Oh dear”: An expression of concern or worry.
• “Oh well”: A phrase used to indicate resignation or acceptance about an undesirable situation.
• “Oh my goodness”: A mild oath expressing surprise or shock.
• “Oh yeah”: An expression indicating agreement or remembering something.

Example Sentences

• Surprise: “Oh, look who it is! I haven’t seen you in ages.”
• Realization: “Oh, I left my phone at home.”
• Attention-getting: “Oh, sorry, I didn’t realize this seat was taken.”

Synonyms

• Ah
• Uh-huh
• Wow
• Gee
• Alas (in some contexts)
• Oops (when expressing a minor mishap)