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A1 noun #366 le plus courant 12 min de lecture

welcome

Top 366

At the A1 level, 'welcome' is a basic word you use to talk about saying hello. As a noun, it usually appears in simple phrases like 'a warm welcome.' You learn that when you go to a new place, like a school or a friend's house, people give you a welcome. It is a friendly thing. You might see the word on a 'welcome mat' at a door or a 'welcome sign' at an airport. It is one of the first words you learn for being polite and kind to others. You use it to describe a nice feeling when you arrive somewhere. For example, 'The welcome was good.'

At the A2 level, you start to use 'welcome' with more adjectives and in more specific places. You might talk about a 'friendly welcome' or a 'big welcome.' You understand that a welcome is an act of receiving someone. You can use it in sentences like 'We gave the new student a warm welcome.' You also start to see it in compound nouns like 'welcome party' or 'welcome drink.' You are learning that 'welcome' isn't just a word you say, but a thing you can give or receive. You might also learn the phrase 'You are welcome' as a response to 'Thank you,' although that is the adjective use.

At the B1 level, you can use 'welcome' to describe more complex social situations. You understand the difference between a 'warm welcome' and a 'cold welcome.' You can use the noun to talk about the atmosphere of a place. For example, 'The hotel is famous for its warm welcome.' You also start to use it in professional contexts, like a 'welcome speech' or a 'welcome pack' for new employees. You can describe how someone felt based on the welcome they received. You are becoming more comfortable using it as the subject or object of a sentence with various verbs like 'extend' or 'receive.'

At the B2 level, you use 'welcome' more idiomatically and in abstract ways. You know the expression 'to outstay your welcome,' which means to stay too long as a guest. You also use 'welcome' to describe the reception of ideas or news. For example, 'The government's decision received a cautious welcome from the public.' Here, it means 'reaction.' You can use it to describe a 'welcome relief' or a 'welcome change,' where the noun describes something that is pleasing because it is needed. Your vocabulary is expanding to include more sophisticated collocations like 'hearty welcome' or 'rapturous welcome.'

At the C1 level, you use 'welcome' with great precision and nuance. You can distinguish between a 'welcome,' a 'reception,' and 'hospitality.' You use the noun in formal writing to describe diplomatic or corporate greetings, such as 'extending a formal welcome to the delegation.' You understand the cultural implications of a 'welcome' and can discuss how it varies across different societies. You might use it in more literary or rhetorical ways, such as 'The silence of the forest was a welcome change from the city noise.' You are aware of the subtle differences in tone when using 'welcome' in various registers.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of the noun 'welcome.' You can use it in highly specialized contexts, such as describing the 'welcome' of a new theory in academic circles or the 'welcome' of a new artistic movement. You are comfortable with all its idiomatic uses and can play with the word in creative writing. You understand its etymological roots and how they influence its modern usage. You can use it to convey complex emotional states or social dynamics with just a few words. For you, 'welcome' is a versatile tool for describing the intersection of human arrival, acceptance, and reaction.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

welcome en 30 secondes

A 'welcome' is the act of greeting someone who has just arrived, often described as warm or friendly.
It can be a physical event, like a party, or just a feeling of being accepted in a new place.
Commonly used with verbs like 'give', 'receive', and 'extend' to describe social interactions.
Includes idiomatic phrases like 'outstay your welcome' and compound nouns like 'welcome mat'.

The word welcome as a noun represents the act of greeting someone or the manner in which someone is received upon arrival. It is a fundamental concept in human social interaction, bridging the gap between being a stranger and becoming a guest. When we talk about a 'welcome,' we are discussing the atmosphere, the words, and the physical gestures that signal to a person that their presence is appreciated and desired. In its simplest form at the A1 level, it is the 'hello' you get at a door. However, as a noun, it encompasses the entire experience of that first meeting.

Social Function: A welcome serves as a social lubricant, reducing the anxiety of entering a new environment or meeting new people. It establishes the 'vibe' of the interaction immediately.

The hotel staff gave us a very warm welcome when we arrived at midnight.

We use this noun in various contexts, from the personal (a welcome home party) to the professional (a welcome from the CEO). It can be quantified by its 'temperature'—we often describe a welcome as being 'warm,' 'cold,' 'chilly,' or 'hearty.' This metaphorical use of temperature describes the emotional quality of the reception. A warm welcome makes you feel safe and happy; a cold welcome makes you feel like you should leave. Understanding the noun form helps learners describe experiences rather than just performing the action of welcoming.

Formal Contexts: In formal settings, a welcome might involve a speech, a gift, or a specific ceremony, such as a 'welcome address' at a conference.

The mayor extended a formal welcome to the visiting diplomats.

Furthermore, the noun 'welcome' can refer to the state of being accepted. If you 'outstay your welcome,' it means you have stayed somewhere so long that the people there no longer want you to be there. This highlights the temporal nature of the concept—a welcome is an invitation that has a beginning and, eventually, an expiration if not renewed by mutual respect and social norms. In literature and film, the 'welcome' is a pivotal moment that sets the stage for the protagonist's journey in a new land.

Emotional Impact: The psychological impact of a positive welcome cannot be overstated; it fosters a sense of belonging and community from the very first second.

After months of traveling, the sight of her family provided the best welcome she could imagine.

In the digital age, we even see 'welcome' as a noun in user interfaces—the 'welcome screen' of an app or the 'welcome email' you receive after signing up for a service. These are automated versions of the traditional human greeting, designed to make the user feel oriented and valued in a virtual space. Whether physical or digital, the core meaning remains the same: a signal of acceptance and the start of a relationship.

Using 'welcome' as a noun requires understanding its relationship with verbs like 'give,' 'receive,' 'extend,' and 'get.' It is most commonly modified by adjectives that describe the quality of the greeting. For example, 'a warm welcome' is perhaps the most frequent collocation in the English language. You don't just 'do' a welcome; you 'give' one or 'receive' one. This distinction is crucial for sounding natural in English.

Common Verb Pairings: Give a welcome, receive a welcome, extend a welcome, find a welcome, outstay a welcome.

We received a hero's welcome when we returned from the competition.

When constructing sentences, pay attention to the prepositions. We give a welcome *to* someone. We receive a welcome *from* someone. We find a welcome *in* a place. For instance, 'The welcome to the new students was held in the main hall.' Here, 'welcome' functions as the subject of the sentence, referring to the event itself. It is also common to use it in the plural, though less frequent than the singular, to describe multiple instances of greeting: 'The welcomes we received across the country were all different.'

Adjective Modifiers: Warm, cold, enthusiastic, unexpected, traditional, formal, hearty, chilly, lukewarm.

The unexpected welcome from her old friends brought tears to her eyes.

Another sophisticated way to use the noun is in the phrase 'outstay your welcome.' This is an idiomatic expression meaning to stay as a guest longer than the hosts want you to. 'I think we should leave now; I don't want to outstay our welcome.' This uses the noun to represent the host's hospitality as a finite resource. Additionally, 'welcome' can act as a noun adjunct in compound nouns like 'welcome mat,' 'welcome party,' or 'welcome speech.' In these cases, it describes the purpose of the following noun.

Compound Nouns: Welcome mat, welcome drink, welcome package, welcome address, welcome center.

The welcome mat at the front door was bright and colorful.

Finally, consider the use of 'welcome' in the context of news or events. 'The news of the tax cut received a cautious welcome from business leaders.' Here, 'welcome' is used metaphorically to mean 'reaction' or 'reception' of an idea or policy. This shows how the word moves from physical arrival to the arrival of information or change. By mastering these patterns, you can use 'welcome' to describe both physical greetings and intellectual reactions.

In daily life, you will hear the noun 'welcome' in many specific environments. If you are traveling, the 'welcome' starts at the airport or train station. You might see a sign that says 'A Warm Welcome to London.' Here, the noun is used to create an immediate feeling of hospitality for tourists. In hotels, the receptionist might say, 'We hope you enjoy your stay; here is a small welcome gift.' This uses the noun to describe a physical token of hospitality.

Hospitality Industry: Used constantly in hotels, restaurants, and tourism to describe the service and atmosphere provided to guests.

The resort is famous for the incredible welcome it provides to every guest.

In professional settings, the 'welcome' is often more structured. You might attend a 'welcome meeting' on your first day at a new job. During this meeting, a manager might say, 'I'd like to extend a warm welcome to our newest team member, Sarah.' In this context, the noun is part of a formal ritual of integration. You'll also hear it in public speaking, where the first few minutes of a speech are often referred to as the 'welcome' or the 'opening welcome.'

Academic Settings: Universities often have a 'Welcome Week' (or Orientation Week) full of events to help new students settle in.

The Dean's welcome was the highlight of the first day of university.

In the media, you will hear 'welcome' used to describe how the public or experts react to new laws, movies, or products. A news anchor might say, 'The new movie received a rapturous welcome from critics at the film festival.' This usage is slightly more abstract, referring to the 'reception' or 'approval' the movie received. It implies that the movie was 'greeted' with praise. You also hear it in the phrase 'a welcome change,' where the noun describes something that is pleasing because it is new or different.

Media & News: Used to describe the public reception of events, policies, or artistic works.

The rain was a welcome relief after the long, hot summer.

Finally, in community centers or religious buildings, you will often find a 'Welcome Desk.' This is a physical location where the noun is personified by staff members whose sole job is to provide a 'welcome' to visitors. In all these places—airports, offices, news reports, and community centers—the word 'welcome' acts as a signpost for hospitality, acceptance, and the beginning of an interaction.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing the noun 'welcome' with the adjective or the interjection. For example, saying 'I gave him a welcome' is correct, but saying 'I made him welcome' uses 'welcome' as an adjective. A common error is 'They gave us a welcoming.' While 'welcoming' is a gerund or adjective, the standard noun for the act of greeting is simply 'welcome.' You should say 'They gave us a warm welcome,' not 'a warm welcoming.'

Confusing Noun and Adjective: Incorrect: 'The welcoming was very nice.' Correct: 'The welcome was very nice.'

We need to prepare a proper welcome for the guests.

Another mistake involves the phrase 'You're welcome.' Learners sometimes try to use the noun form here, but 'welcome' in 'You're welcome' is an adjective. You cannot say 'You have my welcome' as a response to 'Thank you.' That sounds very unnatural. Similarly, when using the noun, don't forget the article. Since it's a countable noun in this context, you usually need 'a' or 'the.' For example, 'He received welcome' is incorrect; it should be 'He received a welcome.'

Preposition Errors: Incorrect: 'A welcome for the city.' Correct: 'A welcome to the city.'

The welcome to the new library was attended by hundreds of people.

Learners also struggle with the phrase 'outstay your welcome.' A common mistake is saying 'overstay your welcome.' While 'overstay' is a logical word, the idiomatic expression specifically uses 'outstay.' Using 'overstay' will be understood, but it won't sound like a native speaker. Also, be careful with the word 'welcoming.' If you say 'The welcome was welcoming,' it's redundant. Better to say 'The welcome was warm' or 'The staff were welcoming.'

Idiomatic Precision: Use 'outstay your welcome' to describe staying too long as a guest.

I hope I haven't outstayed my welcome by staying for a third week.

Finally, avoid using 'welcome' as a noun when you mean 'invitation.' While they are related, an invitation is the request to come, whereas the welcome is what happens once you arrive. You don't 'send a welcome' to a party; you 'send an invitation.' You 'give a welcome' once the guests are at the door. Keeping these distinctions clear will significantly improve your fluency and accuracy.

While 'welcome' is the most common word for this concept, several alternatives can be used depending on the level of formality and the specific context. Understanding these nuances allows you to describe social interactions with more precision. The most direct synonym is 'reception,' but 'reception' often implies a more formal or organized event, such as a wedding reception or a reception desk in an office.

Welcome vs. Reception: 'Welcome' is personal and emotional; 'Reception' is often formal or functional.

The welcome was heartfelt, but the official reception was quite stiff.

Another alternative is 'greeting.' A greeting usually refers specifically to the words or gestures used at the moment of meeting (like saying 'hello' or shaking hands). 'Welcome' is broader, encompassing the entire feeling of being received. You might give a friendly greeting as part of a warm welcome. In very formal or literary contexts, you might use 'salutation,' though this is almost exclusively used for the beginning of a letter or a very formal spoken address.

Welcome vs. Hospitality: 'Welcome' is the initial act; 'Hospitality' is the ongoing care provided to a guest.

We were overwhelmed by the welcome and the generous hospitality of the villagers.

In the context of how an idea or news is received, you can use 'acceptance' or 'response.' For example, 'The new policy met with a warm welcome' could be replaced by 'The new policy met with widespread acceptance.' 'Acceptance' focuses on the agreement, while 'welcome' focuses on the positive nature of the reaction. If the welcome is negative, you might use words like 'rebuff' or 'hostility,' though these are opposites rather than synonyms.

Other Alternatives: Admittance, entree, ovation (for a very loud, public welcome), homecoming.

The singer received a standing ovation as a welcome back to the stage.

Finally, 'red carpet treatment' is an idiomatic way to describe an exceptionally grand and formal welcome. While 'welcome' is a neutral noun, 'red carpet treatment' adds a layer of luxury and high status. By choosing between 'welcome,' 'reception,' 'greeting,' and 'hospitality,' you can more accurately convey the specific type of social interaction you are describing, from a simple nod at the door to a grand state banquet.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"The University extends a formal welcome to all international scholars."

Neutre

"We received a warm welcome from the staff."

Informel

"The dog gave me a huge welcome when I got home."

Child friendly

"Let's make a big 'Welcome' sign for Grandma!"

Argot

"That's a welcome vibe right there."

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'welcome' is cognate with the Old Norse 'velkominn' and German 'willkommen'. It has been used as a greeting for over a thousand years in various forms of English.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈwel.kəm/

US /ˈwel.kəm/

The stress is on the first syllable: WEL-come.

Rime avec

seldom income outcome become hum sum drum plum

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'o' in the second syllable like 'home'. It should be a short 'uh' sound.
Putting stress on the second syllable.
Making the 'l' sound too soft or silent.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'welcoming' (adding an 'ing' sound).
Pronouncing it like 'well-comb'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

The word is very common and usually easy to identify in text.

Écriture 2/5

Learners must remember to use articles and correct collocations like 'give a welcome'.

Expression orale 1/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once the schwa is mastered.

Écoute 1/5

Easily recognized in spoken English due to its distinct sound.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

hello friend come home good

Apprends ensuite

hospitality reception greeting invitation acceptance

Avancé

rapturous lukewarm cordial protocol integration

Grammaire à connaître

Noun vs. Adjective

Noun: 'The welcome was nice.' Adjective: 'You are welcome.'

Countable Nouns

We received three different welcomes on our trip.

Compound Noun Formation

Welcome + Party = Welcome Party (The first noun acts as a modifier).

Prepositional Phrases

A welcome TO the city; A welcome FROM the family.

Gerund as Adjective

A 'welcoming' person gives a good 'welcome'.

Exemples par niveau

The teacher gave us a warm welcome.

L'enseignant nous a réservé un accueil chaleureux.

Noun 'welcome' follows the adjective 'warm'.

I saw a welcome sign at the airport.

J'ai vu un panneau de bienvenue à l'aéroport.

Compound noun: 'welcome sign'.

They gave a welcome to the new neighbors.

Ils ont accueilli les nouveaux voisins.

Verb 'give' + noun 'welcome'.

The welcome was very friendly.

L'accueil était très amical.

Subject of the sentence.

We had a small welcome party.

Nous avons eu une petite fête de bienvenue.

Compound noun: 'welcome party'.

The hotel has a nice welcome.

L'hôtel a un bel accueil.

Direct object of 'has'.

A big welcome to our city!

Un grand bienvenue dans notre ville !

Exclamatory phrase using the noun.

She received a welcome from her family.

Elle a reçu un accueil de sa famille.

Verb 'receive' + noun 'welcome'.

The school organized a welcome for new students.

L'école a organisé un accueil pour les nouveaux étudiants.

Countable noun with 'a'.

He got a cold welcome at the office.

Il a reçu un accueil froid au bureau.

Adjective 'cold' modifies 'welcome'.

There is a welcome mat outside the door.

Il y a un paillasson de bienvenue devant la porte.

Compound noun: 'welcome mat'.

The welcome was better than I expected.

L'accueil était meilleur que ce à quoi je m'attendais.

Comparative structure.

We enjoyed the welcome drink at the resort.

Nous avons apprécié la boisson de bienvenue au complexe hôtelier.

Compound noun: 'welcome drink'.

The village gave us a traditional welcome.

Le village nous a réservé un accueil traditionnel.

Adjective 'traditional' modifies 'welcome'.

I missed the welcome speech this morning.

J'ai raté le discours de bienvenue ce matin.

Compound noun: 'welcome speech'.

The dog gave me a noisy welcome.

Le chien m'a fait un accueil bruyant.

Adjective 'noisy' modifies 'welcome'.

The company provides a welcome pack to all new hires.

L'entreprise fournit un kit de bienvenue à toutes les nouvelles recrues.

Compound noun: 'welcome pack'.

We were surprised by the enthusiastic welcome we received.

Nous avons été surpris par l'accueil enthousiaste que nous avons reçu.

Passive voice with a relative clause.

The welcome address was given by the principal.

L'allocution de bienvenue a été prononcée par le directeur.

Compound noun: 'welcome address'.

The rain was a welcome relief after the heatwave.

La pluie a été un soulagement bienvenu après la canicule.

Used as an adjective-like noun modifier.

She felt a sense of welcome in the small community.

Elle a ressenti un sentiment d'accueil dans la petite communauté.

Noun phrase: 'sense of welcome'.

The welcome center is located near the main entrance.

Le centre d'accueil est situé près de l'entrée principale.

Compound noun: 'welcome center'.

They extended a formal welcome to the visiting team.

Ils ont adressé un accueil formel à l'équipe visiteuse.

Verb 'extend' + noun 'welcome'.

The welcome he got was lukewarm at best.

L'accueil qu'il a reçu était pour le moins mitigé.

Adjective 'lukewarm' modifies 'welcome'.

I hope I haven't outstayed my welcome.

J'espère que je n'ai pas abusé de votre hospitalité.

Idiom: 'outstay one's welcome'.

The new legislation received a cautious welcome from the unions.

La nouvelle législation a reçu un accueil prudent de la part des syndicats.

Metaphorical use for 'reception'.

The change in management was a welcome development for the staff.

Le changement de direction a été une évolution bienvenue pour le personnel.

Noun used as a modifier.

The hero's welcome they received was broadcast nationwide.

L'accueil triomphal qu'ils ont reçu a été diffusé dans tout le pays.

Compound-like phrase: 'hero's welcome'.

The welcome ceremony was steeped in local tradition.

La cérémonie d'accueil était imprégnée de traditions locales.

Compound noun: 'welcome ceremony'.

Despite the cold weather, the welcome from the locals was incredibly warm.

Malgré le froid, l'accueil des habitants a été incroyablement chaleureux.

Contrast between weather and social reception.

The project's success was a welcome boost to the company's morale.

Le succès du projet a été un coup de pouce bienvenu pour le moral de l'entreprise.

Abstract use of 'welcome'.

He was wary of the sudden welcome he received from his rivals.

Il se méfiait de l'accueil soudain qu'il recevait de ses rivaux.

Describes a social dynamic.

The ambassador's welcome was marked by elaborate protocol.

L'accueil de l'ambassadeur a été marqué par un protocole élaboré.

Possessive noun + 'welcome'.

The book's reception was a welcome validation of her years of research.

La réception du livre a été une validation bienvenue de ses années de recherche.

Double use of reception concepts.

They were met with a wall of silence instead of the expected welcome.

Ils ont été accueillis par un mur de silence au lieu de l'accueil attendu.

Metaphorical contrast.

The city's welcome to the refugees was a testament to its inclusive spirit.

L'accueil de la ville envers les réfugiés témoignait de son esprit d'inclusion.

Abstract social commentary.

Her welcome into the elite circle was conditional on her performance.

Son accueil dans le cercle d'élite était conditionné par ses performances.

Noun 'welcome' followed by a prepositional phrase.

The abruptness of his welcome suggested he was preoccupied.

La soudaineté de son accueil suggérait qu'il était préoccupé.

Noun as the subject of 'suggested'.

The welcome extended by the host was both gracious and sincere.

L'accueil réservé par l'hôte était à la fois gracieux et sincère.

Reduced relative clause: 'extended by'.

The festival provides a welcome platform for emerging artists.

Le festival offre une plateforme bienvenue aux artistes émergents.

Metaphorical use of 'welcome'.

The rapturous welcome accorded to the returning explorer was unprecedented.

L'accueil enthousiaste réservé à l'explorateur à son retour était sans précédent.

Formal vocabulary: 'rapturous', 'accorded'.

One must be careful not to outstay one's welcome in the delicate world of diplomacy.

Il faut veiller à ne pas abuser de son accueil dans le monde délicat de la diplomatie.

Generic pronoun 'one' with the idiom.

The welcome was a masterclass in understated elegance.

L'accueil était une leçon d'élégance sobre.

Metaphorical 'masterclass'.

The chilling welcome he received at the gala was a clear sign of his fall from grace.

L'accueil glacial qu'il a reçu au gala était un signe clair de sa disgrâce.

Social narrative use.

The initial welcome for the theory soon gave way to rigorous skepticism.

L'accueil initial de la théorie a vite laissé place à un scepticisme rigoureux.

Temporal shift in reception.

The hospitality of the desert tribes is legendary, beginning with a ceremonial welcome.

L'hospitalité des tribus du désert est légendaire, commençant par un accueil cérémoniel.

Connecting hospitality and welcome.

The welcome was so effusive that it bordered on the insincere.

L'accueil était si expansif qu'il frisait l'insincérité.

Advanced adjective 'effusive'.

A welcome change in the political climate allowed for meaningful dialogue.

Un changement bienvenu dans le climat politique a permis un dialogue constructif.

Abstract political context.

Synonymes

greeting reception salutation hospitality acceptance hello

Antonymes

rejection exclusion hostility

Collocations courantes

warm welcome

cold welcome

extend a welcome

receive a welcome

welcome mat

welcome speech

welcome party

hearty welcome

outstay your welcome

welcome relief

Phrases Courantes

A warm welcome

Welcome home

Outstay one's welcome

A hero's welcome

Welcome mat

Welcome address

Welcome pack

Welcome break

Welcome addition

Welcome news

Souvent confondu avec

welcome vs welcoming

Welcoming is an adjective describing a person or place. Welcome is the noun for the act itself.

welcome vs greeting

A greeting is the specific words said. A welcome is the whole experience of being received.

welcome vs invitation

An invitation is the request to come. A welcome is what you get after you arrive.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Outstay your welcome"

To remain in a place as a guest for too long, until the hosts are tired of you.

I think it's time to go; I don't want to outstay my welcome.

Informal/Neutral

"Wear out one's welcome"

Similar to 'outstay your welcome'; to behave in a way that makes people no longer want you around.

He wore out his welcome by constantly asking for money.

Informal

"A welcome sight"

Something that you are very happy to see, especially after a long time or a difficult journey.

The lights of the city were a welcome sight after the long drive.

Neutral

"Roll out the red carpet"

To give someone an extremely grand and formal welcome (related to the concept of a welcome).

They really rolled out the red carpet for the visiting professor.

Idiomatic

"Open-door policy"

A policy of always being available and providing a welcome to anyone who needs to talk (related).

The manager has an open-door policy, so you always feel a welcome in her office.

Professional

"With open arms"

To receive someone with great enthusiasm and affection.

They received the new family with open arms.

Idiomatic

"A welcome change"

A change that is pleasing because the previous situation was bad or boring.

The new schedule is a welcome change for most employees.

Neutral

"Welcome to the club"

An ironic way of saying that someone is now in the same bad situation as you (noun-based greeting).

You lost your keys too? Welcome to the club!

Informal

"Find a welcome"

To be accepted or greeted kindly in a new place.

He found a warm welcome in the small village.

Literary

"Cold shoulder"

The opposite of a welcome; to intentionally ignore or be unfriendly to someone.

Instead of a welcome, she gave him the cold shoulder.

Idiomatic

Facile à confondre

welcome vs Reception

Both refer to how someone is received.

Reception is often more formal or refers to a specific event or a desk. Welcome is more personal and emotional.

The hotel reception was busy, but the welcome was warm.

welcome vs Hospitality

Both involve being kind to guests.

Welcome is the initial greeting. Hospitality is the ongoing care and service provided during the stay.

Their welcome was great, and their hospitality was even better.

welcome vs Admittance

Both involve entering a place.

Admittance is the legal or physical right to enter. Welcome is the social greeting upon entering.

He gained admittance to the club, but he didn't get a warm welcome.

welcome vs Salutation

Both are forms of greeting.

Salutation is a very formal term, usually for the 'Dear Sir' part of a letter. Welcome is for physical arrival.

The welcome speech included a formal salutation to the guests.

welcome vs Acceptance

Both can describe a positive reaction.

Acceptance is about agreeing with an idea. Welcome is about greeting the idea with joy.

The new plan met with general acceptance and a warm welcome.

Structures de phrases

The [Noun] was [Adjective].

The welcome was warm.

They gave [Person] a [Adjective] welcome.

They gave us a friendly welcome.

I received a welcome from [Group].

I received a welcome from the team.

It was a welcome [Noun] after [Event].

It was a welcome relief after the exam.

The welcome extended to [Person] was [Adjective].

The welcome extended to the delegates was gracious.

[Noun] gave way to a [Adjective] welcome.

Hostility gave way to a cautious welcome.

Don't outstay your welcome.

We should go; don't outstay your welcome.

A [Adjective] welcome to [Place]!

A big welcome to London!

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely common in both spoken and written English.

Erreurs courantes

They gave us a warm welcoming. → They gave us a warm welcome.
While 'welcoming' is an adjective, 'welcome' is the standard noun for the act of greeting. Using 'welcoming' as a noun sounds unnatural.
I hope I haven't overstayed my welcome. → I hope I haven't outstayed my welcome.
The correct idiomatic expression uses the verb 'outstay', not 'overstay'. Native speakers will understand you, but it's technically an error.
He received welcome at the airport. → He received a welcome at the airport.
As a countable noun, 'welcome' usually requires an article (a/the) when used in the singular.
The welcome for the hotel was great. → The welcome at the hotel was great.
The preposition 'at' or 'in' is usually better for locations. 'To' is used for the destination of the person being welcomed.
You have my welcome. → You're welcome.
To respond to 'Thank you', use the adjective phrase 'You're welcome'. Using the noun form here is not a standard English expression.

Astuces

Use Articles

When using 'welcome' as a noun in the singular, always remember to use an article like 'a' or 'the'. For example, 'He received a welcome' is correct, but 'He received welcome' is not.

Learn Collocations

Focus on learning 'warm welcome' and 'cold welcome'. These are the most common ways to describe the quality of a greeting and will make your English sound more natural.

Extend a Welcome

In professional environments, use the phrase 'extend a welcome'. It is a polite and sophisticated way to greet new colleagues or clients during meetings or presentations.

Don't Outstay It

Be mindful of the idiom 'outstay your welcome'. It is a useful phrase to know when you are a guest, helping you stay polite by acknowledging that hospitality has limits.

Describe the Vibe

Use the noun 'welcome' to describe the atmosphere of a place. Instead of just saying 'The hotel was nice,' say 'The hotel gave us a warm welcome,' which is more descriptive.

Pronunciation

Remember that the second syllable is a schwa sound /ə/. Don't say 'well-COMB'. Say 'WEL-kuhm'. This small change will significantly improve your accent.

Abstract Welcome

Try using 'welcome' for non-human things. For example, 'The rain was a welcome relief.' This shows a higher level of English proficiency by using the word metaphorically.

Cultural Nuance

A 'welcome' varies by culture. In some places, it's a gift; in others, it's a speech. When traveling, observe how locals give a 'welcome' to understand their social norms.

Tone Matters

When you hear the word 'welcome' in a sentence, listen to the adjectives around it. They tell you everything about the speaker's attitude toward the person arriving.

The Mat Mnemonic

Visualize a 'Welcome Mat'. The mat is a physical object (a noun). This will help you remember that 'welcome' can be a noun and not just a verb or adjective.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'WELL' and 'COME'. You want people to 'COME' and be 'WELL' treated. A 'WELCOME' is the start of that good treatment.

Association visuelle

Imagine a bright, colorful 'Welcome' mat at a door with a smiling person opening it. The mat represents the noun 'welcome'.

Word Web

Greeting Hospitality Reception Arrival Friendliness Acceptance Party Speech

Défi

Try to use the noun 'welcome' in three different ways today: once about a person, once about a place, and once about a piece of news.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Old English word 'wilcuma', which is a combination of 'wil-' (meaning pleasure or desire) and 'cuma' (meaning guest or comer). It literally meant 'a person whose coming is pleasing.'

Sens originel : A desired guest or a pleasing arrival.

Germanic

Contexte culturel

Be aware that 'outstaying your welcome' is a sensitive social faux pas in many English-speaking cultures.

In the UK and US, a 'warm welcome' is highly valued in service industries like hotels and restaurants.

The song 'Welcome to the Jungle' by Guns N' Roses (using welcome as a noun/greeting). The 'Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas' sign. The concept of 'Southern Hospitality' in the US, which emphasizes a warm welcome.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At a Hotel

Where is the welcome desk?
Thank you for the welcome drink.
The welcome was very professional.
Is there a welcome pack for guests?

At a New Job

I'm attending the welcome meeting.
The boss gave a welcome speech.
I received my welcome email today.
Thanks for the warm welcome, everyone.

Returning Home

The dog gave me a noisy welcome.
It was a great welcome home.
I saw the welcome sign on the door.
Nothing beats a family welcome.

In the News

The law received a cautious welcome.
It was a welcome change for the city.
The hero received a grand welcome.
The news was a welcome relief.

Social Events

We are planning a welcome party.
The welcome was a bit awkward.
They gave us a traditional welcome.
I don't want to outstay my welcome.

Amorces de conversation

"What is the best welcome you have ever received when traveling?"

"Do you think a warm welcome is important when you start a new job?"

"How do people usually give a welcome in your home country?"

"Have you ever felt that you outstayed your welcome at someone's house?"

"What makes a 'welcome' feel sincere to you?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a time you received an unexpected welcome. Who was there and how did it make you feel?

Write about a 'welcome' you would like to give to a famous person visiting your city.

Reflect on the phrase 'outstay your welcome'. Why is it important to know when to leave?

Compare a formal welcome you've experienced with an informal one. Which did you prefer?

How does the 'welcome' in a digital app affect your opinion of the service?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, 'welcome' is a countable noun. You can say 'a welcome' or 'many welcomes'. For example, 'We received a warm welcome at every house we visited.' This is common when describing specific instances of being greeted.

'A welcome' is a noun referring to the act of greeting. 'Welcoming' is an adjective used to describe someone's personality or the atmosphere of a place. For example, 'The welcome (noun) was great because the people were very welcoming (adjective).'

No, that is incorrect. You should say 'I gave him a welcome.' While 'welcoming' can be a gerund, it is not used as a standard noun for the act of greeting in this context. Stick to 'welcome' as the noun.

It means to stay as a guest for so long that your hosts start to feel annoyed or want you to leave. It is an important social idiom. For example, 'I don't want to outstay my welcome, so I'll leave tomorrow.'

In formal settings, use the verb 'extend' with the noun 'welcome'. For example, 'I would like to extend a warm welcome to our guest speaker.' This sounds much more professional than saying 'I want to give a welcome.'

Not necessarily. While usually positive, it can be modified by negative adjectives. You can receive a 'cold welcome', a 'chilly welcome', or even a 'hostile welcome'. These describe unfriendly receptions.

A welcome mat is a small rug placed outside the entrance of a home. It is used for wiping shoes and often has the word 'Welcome' printed on it as a sign of hospitality.

Yes, it is often used metaphorically. You can say 'The news received a warm welcome,' which means people reacted to the news with happiness or approval. It describes the 'reception' of the information.

A welcome pack is a set of documents, information, or small gifts given to someone when they join a new organization, like a company, a school, or a club, to help them get started.

No, in the phrase 'You're welcome,' the word 'welcome' is an adjective. It means 'you are accepted/permitted (to have my thanks)'. The noun form is used in phrases like 'a warm welcome'.