how do you do
"How do you do" is a formal greeting often used in English-speaking cultures during initial introductions.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B1Social Interaction
(formal)A formal greeting used when meeting someone for the first time, not meant to inquire about the person's well-being.
Example
- When introduced to the new manager, she said, 'How do you do?'
- He extended his hand and said, 'How do you do?' as they were introduced.
C1British English
(euphemistic)A phrase used to describe a difficult or awkward situation.
Example
- They found themselves in quite a how do you do when the project fell behind schedule.
- The unexpected guests created a bit of a how do you do.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "how do you do":
how do you likewhat do you saywhat do you meanhow are youdo onewhat are you doingwhat do you knowdo itdo inwhat do you want