Interjection
/wuː/
"Whew" is an interjection used to express relief, surprise, or exhaustion. It often conveys a sense of temporary relief after a stressful or intense moment. The frequency of use is relatively high in spoken language, as it serves as a quick response to various situations. While it can appear in written contexts, it is more commonly encountered in oral speech.
"Whew, that was a close call!"
"Uff, eso estuvo cerca!"
"Whew, I can't believe I finished the project on time."
"Uff, no puedo creer que terminé el proyecto a tiempo."
"Whew, what a workout!"
"Uff, ¡qué ejercicio!"
Although "whew" is not commonly found as part of idiomatic expressions, it can be paired with phrases to convey emotions or reactions. Here are a few contextual examples:
"Whew, finally made it through the week!"
"Uff, ¡por fin terminé la semana!"
"Whew, that meeting was intense!"
"Uff, ¡esa reunión fue intensa!"
"Whew, I thought I lost my keys!"
"Uff, ¡pensé que había perdido mis llaves!"
"Whew, it feels good to relax after that long drive."
"Uff, se siente bien relajarme después de ese largo viaje."
"Whew, what a relief to hear that news!"
"Uff, ¡qué alivio escuchar esa noticia!"
The origin of "whew" is unclear, but it is believed to be imitative in nature, resembling the sound made when one expels breath in relief or astonishment. It became common in English usage around the early 19th century.
This detailed overview provides insights into the word "whew," encompassing its meaning, usage, examples, idiomatic expressions, etymology, and related terms.