Welcomings

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An expression of hospitality towards someone arriving, often accompanied by kind words or gestures; the act of receiving guests in a friendly manner; a display of warmth and acceptance towards individuals entering a shared space or environment
2. A gesture or expression that conveys friendliness and acceptance to newcomers or visitors; the process of showing kindness and openness to those who arrive; an instance of making someone feel at home or appreciated in a new setting
3. A warm reception characterized by friendly greetings or gestures directed at those arriving; the act of providing a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for others; an approach that fosters inclusivity and friendliness towards newcomers

Etymology: "Welcomings" is simply the plural of "welcoming," a noun formed from "welcome" plus the suffix "-ing." The base word has a deep pedigree: it descends from Old English "wilcuma," a compound of "wil" (will, desire) and "cuma" (comer), so the original sense was roughly "one whose coming is desired." Middle English turned it into "welcome," which took on the greeting sense we use now. The "-ing" ending is the familiar one that turns verbs into nouns denoting an action or its result, so a "welcoming" is the act of welcoming. Its earliest forms appeared in Middle English as "welcomyng" and "welcominge," and the plural simply adds the usual "-s" to count separate occasions of such greetings.

Synonyms: greeting, reception

Antonyms: farewell