What is whew?

whew is an interjection used to express relief, surprise, or exhaustion. It's often used to punctuate a moment of escaping a difficult or stressful situation. Here's a bit more detail:

  • Meaning: Whew generally conveys a sense of being overwhelmed, whether by positive or negative experiences. It can indicate relief after avoiding danger or completing a challenging task (see: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Relief), surprise at an unexpected event, or exhaustion from physical or mental exertion (see: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Exhaustion).

  • Usage: It's typically used informally in spoken or written communication. You might hear someone say "Whew, that was close!" after narrowly avoiding an accident, or "Whew, I'm glad that's over!" after finishing a difficult exam. The tone of voice when uttering "whew" is critical to convey the intended emotion.

  • Similar Expressions: Other expressions that share a similar meaning include "phew," "wow," "oof," or "that was a close one." The best choice depends on the specific context and emotion being expressed (see: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Context).