How Do You Spell HUM?

Pronunciation: [hˈʌm] (IPA)

The word "hum" is spelled with three letters, but its pronunciation is not straightforward. The first sound is a voiceless glottal fricative, represented by the symbol /h/. This is followed by the vowel sound /ʌ/, which is pronounced with the tongue in a neutral position in the middle of the mouth. Finally, the word ends with the voiced bilabial nasal /m/. The IPA transcription of "hum" is /hʌm/. Despite its simple spelling, the pronunciation of "hum" can be tricky for non-native speakers.

HUM Meaning and Definition

  1. Hum:

    1. Noun: A low, continuous, and indistinct sound or murmur, usually produced by vibrating or resonating objects, such as machinery, engines, or voices. It is characterized by its consistent and monotonous nature, lacking variation in pitch or tone.

    2. Verb: To produce a low and steady sound, often in a musical or rhythmic manner, by generating vibrations or resonance. This can be done by a person using their vocal cords to create a continuous sound, or by any object or device that emits this type of noise. Hums can range from pleasant and melodic to bothersome and irritating, depending on the context and purpose.

    Additionally, "hum" can refer to the act of murmuring or uttering contentedly to oneself, usually in a soft and continuous manner.

    3. Interjection: Used to represent the sound produced when humming or when something else emits a humming noise. It can be used to describe the act of humming, or to express pleasure or contentment.

    Overall, "hum" captures the concept of a steady and continuous low-frequency sound, whether caused by machinery, human vocalization, or any other vibrating or resonating source.

  2. • An imposition or hoax.
    • The noise of bees or other insects; a low confused noise; formerly an expression of applause.
    • A sound implying doubt and hesitation.
    • To utter sounds like bees; to sing in a low or under tone.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for HUM *

* 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 HUM

Etymology of HUM

The word "hum" originates from the Middle English "hummen", which is believed to be derived from the Old Norse word "hymja", meaning "to hum" or "to drone". It also has connections to the Old High German word "hummen", as well as the Greek word "humnos", meaning "song" or "ode". It is believed that the word "hum" imitates the sound produced when people utter a low, continuous sound without forming clear words.

Idioms with the word HUM

  • hum and haw (or ha) The idiom "hum and haw (or ha)" refers to someone hesitating, being indecisive, or taking a long time to make a decision or give a response. It implies the act of making throaty sounds like "hmm" or "haw" (or "ha") while trying to gather one's thoughts or buy time before answering a question or making a choice.
  • hum with activity The idiom "hum with activity" means that a place or situation is filled with busy movement, liveliness, or productivity. It suggests a bustling atmosphere where people or things are actively engaged or working energetically.
  • hem and haw, at hum and haw The idiom "hem and haw" or "hum and haw" means to hesitate, speak or act evasively, or to be indecisive. It refers to the act of making uncertain sounds like "ahem" or "hmm" as a way to buy time or avoid committing to a particular statement or decision.
  • hum and haw The idiom "hum and haw" refers to the act of hesitating, stalling, or speaking in a vague or indecisive manner when asked a question or faced with a decision. It conveys the idea of someone being uncertain or unsure about what to say or do.
  • hum job
  • ho-hum Ho-hum is an expression used to convey boredom, indifference, or lack of enthusiasm.

Similar spelling words for HUM

Plural form of HUM is HUMS

Conjugate verb Hum

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have hummed
you would have hummed
he/she/it would have hummed
we would have hummed
they would have hummed
I would have hum
you would have hum
he/she/it would have hum
we would have hum
they would have hum

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been humming
you would have been humming
he/she/it would have been humming
we would have been humming
they would have been humming

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would hum
you would hum
he/she/it would hum
we would hum
they would hum

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be humming
you would be humming
he/she/it would be humming
we would be humming
they would be humming

FUTURE

I will hum
you will hum
he/she/it will hum
we will hum
they will hum

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be humming
you will be humming
he/she/it will be humming
we will be humming
they will be humming

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have hummed
you will have hummed
he/she/it will have hummed
we will have hummed
they will have hummed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been humming
you will have been humming
he/she/it will have been humming
we will have been humming
they will have been humming

IMPERATIVE

you hum
we let´s hum

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to hum

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was humming
you were humming
he/she/it was humming
we were humming
they were humming

PAST PARTICIPLE

hummed

PAST PERFECT

I had hummed
you had hummed
he/she/it had hummed
we had hummed
they had hummed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been humming
you had been humming
he/she/it had been humming
we had been humming
they had been humming

PRESENT

I hum
you hum
he/she/it hums
we hum
they hum

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am humming
you are humming
he/she/it is humming
we are humming
they are humming

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

humming

PRESENT PERFECT

I have hummed
you have hummed
he/she/it has hummed
we have hummed
they have hummed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been humming
you have been humming
he/she/it has been humming
we have been humming
they have been humming

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it hum

SIMPLE PAST

I hummed
you hummed
he/she/it hummed
we hummed
they hummed

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: