VocabDictionary

hell

/hษ›l/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

In various religions, a place or state of punishment for the wicked after death.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œMany ancient mythologies describe a dark underworld often referred to as hell.โ€
  • โ€œHe feared that his sins would condemn him to hell.โ€
2.noun

A situation or place of extreme misery, suffering, or turmoil.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œThe war-torn city was a living hell for the civilians trapped inside.โ€
  • โ€œCommuting in this traffic is absolute hell.โ€
3.interjection

Used to express anger, annoyance, surprise, or emphasis.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œHell, I didn't know you were coming over today!โ€
  • โ€œOh, hell, I forgot my keys again.โ€
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for โ€œhellโ€.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old English 'hel' or 'helle', meaning 'concealed place' or 'the underworld'. It shares roots with the Proto-Germanic '*haljล', related to the verb 'helan' (to hide or cover), suggesting a place hidden from the light of the world.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'hell' of a hot dayโ€”it's so hot you feel like you're in a furnace.

Frequently Asked Questions About โ€œhellโ€

1. What is the meaning of โ€œhellโ€ in English?

In English, hell (noun) is defined as: โ€œIn various religions, a place or state of punishment for the wicked after death.โ€.

2. How do you use โ€œhellโ€ in a sentence?

โ€œMany ancient mythologies describe a dark underworld often referred to as hell.โ€

3. What are English synonyms of โ€œhellโ€?

Common synonyms include:underworld,purgatory,inferno,torment

4. What is the etymology and word origin of โ€œhellโ€?

Derived from the Old English 'hel' or 'helle', meaning 'concealed place' or 'the underworld'. It shares roots with the Proto-Germanic '*haljล', related to the verb 'helan' (to hide or cover), suggesting a place hidden from the light of the world.