welcome

Everyday

1. A friendly word said to greet someone who arrives (Welcome to our school!). tree →
2. To greet someone warmly when they arrive. tree →
3. To be glad to accept or receive something (We welcome new ideas). tree →
4. Wanted and pleasant (a welcome rest). tree →
5. Allowed to have or do something freely (You're welcome to borrow it). tree →
6. «You're welcome» is the polite answer when someone says «thank you». tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and manners it is a key polite word: saying «welcome» to guests and «you're welcome» after «thank you». At school new pupils are welcomed; signs say «Welcome». In stories it shows friendliness or its opposite (an unwelcome guest). Phrases: welcome to, welcome home, welcome back, you're welcome, make someone welcome, a warm welcome, outstay your welcome.

Examples

• Welcome to our class, Sam! tree →
• We welcomed the new girl and showed her around. tree →
• «Thank you for the help.» — «You're welcome.» tree →
• After the long walk, a cold drink was very welcome. tree →
• You're welcome to use my crayons. tree →
• The town gave the team a warm welcome. tree →
• Welcome home, Dad! tree →
• The school welcomes parents at the open day. tree →
• ‘Welcome back, my prince,’ said she. tree →

Note

Spelled with ONE «l»: welcome, not «wellcome». Past: welcomed. «You're welcome» is the usual reply to «thank you» in the USA; in the UK and Australia people also say «no problem», «no worries» or «not at all». The opposite adjective is «unwelcome».