Phew

An exclamation used to express relief, exhaustion, or disapproval. It often signifies a sudden release of tension, a sigh of contentment after overcoming a challenge, or a reaction to an unpleasant smell or situation. 'Phew' can also denote a sense of surprise or exasperation, reflecting a momentary pause for thought or a feeling of being overwhelmed. The intonation and context play a key role in conveying the specific meaning, ranging from a quiet sigh to a pronounced breath of relief. The word's brevity contributes to its expressiveness, allowing it to quickly and efficiently communicate a wide range of emotions and responses to various circumstances.

Phew meaning with examples

• 1. After hours of searching, I finally found my keys! 'Phew,' I thought, a wave of relief washing over me as I grabbed them. Now, I can leave for work on time. That was stressful for a second, thank goodness I found them. The relief was instantaneous and pure.
• 2. Climbing that steep hill was exhausting, but I reached the top. 'Phew,' I gasped, wiping the sweat from my brow. The view made it worthwhile, but the exertion made me a little lightheaded, I will sit and enjoy the sun before my journey back. What a challenge!
• 3. Walking into the restaurant, I instantly smelled the terrible odor. 'Phew,' I exclaimed, wrinkling my nose. The smell was overwhelming. We asked for a different table away from the kitchen where it seemed to come from, but even that wasn't completely fixed.
• 4. My computer froze just before I finished my presentation. 'Phew,' I muttered, when it finally re-started. It saved my work! Talk about the relief of getting my computer back and still being able to finish the presentation.
• 5. The traffic jam delayed us for two hours, then it moved. 'Phew!' I exclaimed, as the car finally began to move forward, relief flooding my senses. This meant we were finally on our way and would get home to rest soon.