What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
salute
Example
The soldiers stood at attention and saluted their commanding officer. [saluted: past tense]
Example
He gave a salute to the flag during the national anthem. [salute: noun]
greeting
Example
She greeted her friend with a warm smile and a hug. [greeted: past tense]
Example
The host gave a brief greeting to the guests before starting the party. [greeting: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Greeting is more commonly used than salute in everyday language. Greeting is a versatile term that covers a wide range of social interactions, while salute is more specific to formal or official settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between salute and greeting?
Salute is typically associated with a formal and respectful tone, while greeting can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in various formality levels.