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Whew vs Phew - What's the difference?

whew | phew | Synonyms |

Phew is a synonym of whew.



As interjections the difference between whew and phew

is that whew is an expressive sound made indicating the release of one's inner tension; the release of breath; an expression of relief while phew is used to show relief, fatigue, surprise, or disgust.

As a verb whew

is to whistle with a shrill pipe, like a plover.

whew

English

Interjection

(en interjection)
  • An expressive sound made indicating the release of one's inner tension; the release of breath; an expression of relief.
  • (from strenuous labour) Whew! That box weighs a ton!
    (from intense concern) Whew! Thank goodness you?re safe! I thought something terrible had happened to you!
    (from fear of being seen) Whew! That cop didn?t see me! That was a close call!
  • An expression of amazement or surprise.
  • * 1981 , , revised edition, chapter 1,
  • "...Now I must be off. Whew , it's as cold as the North Pole. Which way is the wind blowing?"

    Synonyms

    * (expressing relief of tension) fyew, phew, (chiefly UK) lumme * (expressing surprise) wow

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (UK, Scotland, dialect) To whistle with a shrill pipe, like a plover.
  • English onomatopoeias

    phew

    English

    Interjection

    (en interjection)
  • Used to show relief, fatigue, surprise, or disgust.
  • * Phew , that took a long time to define!
  • See also

    * whew *