Word: Hoot
Part of Speech: - Noun - Verb
Basic Meaning: 1. As a Noun: - A "hoot" can refer to a loud noise, similar to the sound that owls make. For example, when you hear an owl at night, you might say, "I heard a hoot." - It can also mean something that is not valuable or important. For example, if someone says, “His promise is not worth a hoot,” it means that the promise is not worth anything.
Usage Instructions: - Use "hoot" as a noun when you are talking about the sound or when referring to something of little value. - Use "hoot" as a verb when describing the action of making a loud noise or shout.
Examples: - Noun: "That joke was a hoot!" (meaning it was funny or entertaining) - Noun: "His complaints are not worth a hoot." (meaning they are not important) - Verb: "The owls hooted in the forest." (meaning they made their characteristic sound) - Verb: "The fans hooted in excitement after the performance." (meaning they shouted loudly)
Advanced Usage: - "Hoot" can also be used informally in phrases such as “a hoot” to describe something very funny or entertaining. For example, “That movie was a real hoot!”
Word Variants: - Hooting (the present participle): "The hooting of the owls filled the night air." - Hooted (the past tense): "They hooted with laughter at the comedian's jokes."
Different Meanings: - Besides the sound made by owls, "hoot" can refer to laughter or a funny situation, especially in informal contexts.
Synonyms: - For the sound: "call," "hoot," "cry" - For the informal meaning: "joke," "laugh," "gag" - For the expression of displeasure: "hiss," "jeer," "boo"
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - "Not worth a hoot": This idiom means something is not valuable or important at all. - There aren't specific phrasal verbs that commonly use "hoot," but it can be combined with other verbs to describe actions, like "hoot with laughter" (to laugh loudly).
Conclusion: "Hoot" is a versatile word that can describe both a specific sound and convey a sense of worthlessness. It can be used in various contexts, both formally and informally.