ˈwelkəm n.,
int.,
v., & adj. --n.
the act or an
instance of
greeting or receiving (a
person,
idea, etc.) gladly; a kind or glad
reception (gave
them a
warm welcome). --int. expressing
such a greeting (welcome!; welcome home!). --v.tr.
receive with a welcome (welcomed them
home;
would welcome the opportunity). --adj. 1
that one receives with
pleasure (a welcome
guest; welcome news). 2 (foll. by
to, or to + infin.) a cordially allowed or invited; released of
obligation (you are welcome to
use my car). b
iron. gladly
given (an
unwelcome task,
thing, etc.) (here's my
work and you are welcome to it). ømake welcome receive hospitably.
outstay one's welcome stay
too long as a
visitor etc. you are welcome
there is no
need for thanks. øøwelcomely adv. welcomeness n. welcomer n. welcomingly adv. [orig. OE wilcuma one
whose coming is pleasing f. wildesire, pleasure + cuma
comer, with later
change to welWELL(1)
after OF bien venu or ON velkominn]
