HEM Meaning and
Definition
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Hem is a noun or verb that refers to the action or object of enclosing or securing the edge of fabric, typically with a narrow folded or stitched border. As a noun, hem specifically refers to the finished edge of a garment or piece of fabric, where the raw edge has been folded under and stitched or surged to prevent fraying. This folded and stitched border usually creates a neat and visually appealing finish. Hems can be found on various types of clothing, like skirts, pants, dresses, or sleeves, as well as on linens or curtains.
As a verb, hem means to sew or fold the edge of fabric in order to create a hem. This process might involve folding the edge under and stitching it using a sewing machine or by hand, or it can also involve using specialized hemming tapes or adhesives. Hemming is an essential step in the garment-making process, as it not only offers a polished appearance but also helps to prolong the life of the fabric by preventing unraveling.
Additionally, the term "hem" can also be used metaphorically to describe surrounding or enclosing something closely, as in "a city hemmed in by mountains" or "a field hemmed by fences." In these cases, it signifies a limitation or confinement of space or movement.
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• The edge or border of a garment doubled down and sewed.
• To fold down and sew the edge of cloth.
• To confine; to enclose; to surround.
• A sort of half-voluntary cough as a preparation for speaking, or as a call to a person at a little distance.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for HEM *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for HEM
Etymology of HEM
The word "hem" evolved from the Middle English "heme", which is derived from the Old English "hemn". It is related to the Old High German "hemma" and the Middle Dutch "hemme", all of which mean "border" or "edge". The word "hem" was first recorded in English around the 14th century and originally referred to the edge or border of cloth that is turned and sewn to prevent unraveling. Over time, it came to be used as a verb to describe the act of sewing such an edge.
Idioms with the word HEM
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hem sm or sth in
The idiom "hem someone or something in" means to surround or enclose someone or something with barriers, making it difficult for them to move or escape. It can also imply restricting someone's freedom or preventing them from making progress or achieving their goals.
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hem in
The idiom "hem in" means to surround or confine someone or something, often limiting their freedom or options for movement.
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hem someone or something in
The idiom "hem someone or something in" means to surround, restrict, or confine someone or something, making it difficult for them to move or escape. It implies creating a barrier or enclosure that limits one's freedom or options.
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hem and haw (around)
The idiom "hem and haw (around)" means to hesitate, equivocate, or speak in a hesitant or evasive manner. It refers to the act of avoiding making a definite decision or providing a direct answer, often due to uncertainty or indecisiveness.
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hem and haw, at hum and haw
The idiom "hem and haw," also known as "hum and haw," refers to the behavior of hesitating, stalling, or being indecisive when asked to make a decision or give a response. It is often used to describe someone who is unsure or reluctant to provide a direct answer or take a definitive action.
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hem in sb/sth
The idiom "hem in someone/something" means to surround, confine, or restrict someone or something within a limited space or boundary. It implies limiting their freedom of movement or action and making it challenging for them to escape or expand beyond the enclosed area.
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hem and haw
The idiom "hem and haw" means to hesitate, speak evasively, or be indecisive. It refers to the act of making uncertain or hesitant sounds like "hem" and "haw" while trying to formulate a response or reach a decision.
Similar spelling words for HEM
- henna,
- heim,
- ham,
- Them,
- Hey,
- Heyen,
- hen,
- henne,
- henn,
- heon,
- hemp,
- he'd,
- Him,
- gem,
- Heine,
- heyn,
- Henao,
- hum,
- heaume,
- Heyne,
- HEMS,
- hehn,
- he,
- helm,
- he's,
- Hein,
- Her,
- heme,
- hewn.
Conjugate verb Hem
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have hemmed
you
would have hemmed
he/she/it
would have hemmed
we
would have hemmed
they
would have hemmed
I
would have hem
you
would have hem
he/she/it
would have hem
we
would have hem
they
would have hem
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been hemming
you
would have been hemming
he/she/it
would have been hemming
we
would have been hemming
they
would have been hemming
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would hem
you
would hem
he/she/it
would hem
we
would hem
they
would hem
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be hemming
you
would be hemming
he/she/it
would be hemming
we
would be hemming
they
would be hemming
FUTURE
I
will hem
you
will hem
he/she/it
will hem
we
will hem
they
will hem
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be hemming
you
will be hemming
he/she/it
will be hemming
we
will be hemming
they
will be hemming
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have hemmed
you
will have hemmed
he/she/it
will have hemmed
we
will have hemmed
they
will have hemmed
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been hemming
you
will have been hemming
he/she/it
will have been hemming
we
will have been hemming
they
will have been hemming
IMPERATIVE
you
hem
we
let´s hem
to hem
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was hemming
you
were hemming
he/she/it
was hemming
we
were hemming
they
were hemming
PAST PARTICIPLE
hemmed
PAST PERFECT
I
had hemmed
you
had hemmed
he/she/it
had hemmed
we
had hemmed
they
had hemmed
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been hemming
you
had been hemming
he/she/it
had been hemming
we
had been hemming
they
had been hemming
PRESENT
I
hem
you
hem
he/she/it
hems
we
hem
they
hem
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am hemming
you
are hemming
he/she/it
is hemming
we
are hemming
they
are hemming
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
hemming
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have hemmed
you
have hemmed
he/she/it
has hemmed
we
have hemmed
they
have hemmed
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been hemming
you
have been hemming
he/she/it
has been hemming
we
have been hemming
they
have been hemming
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
hem
SIMPLE PAST
I
hemmed
you
hemmed
he/she/it
hemmed
we
hemmed
they
hemmed
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