Is 'hess' a common word in everyday English?

No, it is a low-frequency word. Its most common use is as a surname.

What is the difference between 'hess' and 'hessian'?

'Hessian' is the standard UK term for the fabric and can mean a person from Hesse. 'Hess' is primarily a surname and the root of these terms.

Can 'hess' be used as a verb?

No, 'hess' is not used as a verb in modern English.

Why might an American not understand 'hess sack'?

Because Americans use the word 'burlap' for the coarse fabric, not 'hess' or 'hessian'.

Is “hess” formal?

Hess is usually formal, technical, historical in register.

How do you pronounce “hess”?

Hess: in British English it is pronounced /hɛs/, and in American English it is pronounced /hɛs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

hess: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low

UK/hɛs/US/hɛs/

Formal, Technical, Historical

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “hess” mean?

A surname of German origin.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A surname of German origin; historically, a servant or follower of a man named Hess.

A coarse, plain-woven fabric made from jute or similar fibers; (business) a unit of measurement in some scientific contexts (Hess's Law in chemistry). Also refers to people or things originating from the German region Hesse.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

In the UK, 'hessian' (the fabric) is the dominant term. In the US, 'burlap' is standard for the fabric, making 'hess' for fabric rare in AmE.

Connotations

UK: Fabric term 'hessian' evokes DIY, sacks, gardening. US: 'Hess' primarily a surname or corporate name (Hess Corporation).

Frequency

Far more frequent in UK English due to 'hessian' derivation; in US English, almost exclusively a proper noun.

Grammar

How to Use “hess” in a Sentence

Proper Noun (no article): Hess was present.Possessive: Hess's contribution.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

Hess (surname)Rudolf HessHess's Law

medium

Hess CorporationHess truck

weak

coarse hesshess sack

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Hess Corporation (oil and gas).

Academic

Hess's Law in thermochemistry.

Everyday

Almost exclusively as a surname.

Technical

Historical fabric term; thermochemistry.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “hess”

Strong

burlap (US, for fabric)hessian (UK, for fabric)

Neutral

Hessian (person from Hesse)

Weak

sackingjute cloth

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “hess”

silkfine fabric

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “hess”

Using 'hess' for fabric in US English (use 'burlap').
Misspelling as 'hes' or 'hesss'.
Using as a common noun ('a hess') in modern English.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is a low-frequency word. Its most common use is as a surname.
: 'Hessian' is the standard UK term for the fabric and can mean a person from Hesse. 'Hess' is primarily a surname and the root of these terms.
: No, 'hess' is not used as a verb in modern English.
: Because Americans use the word 'burlap' for the coarse fabric, not 'hess' or 'hessian'.
: A surname of German origin.
: Hess is usually formal, technical, historical in register.
: Hess: in British English it is pronounced /hɛs/, and in American English it is pronounced /hɛs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“None common for 'hess' alone. 'Hessian' appears in 'hessian boot' (historical).”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

HESS: Historical European Surname & Sackcloth.

Conceptual Metaphor

ORIGIN AS SOURCE (A Hess is from Hesse). COARSENESS AS ROUGHNESS (hess fabric is rough).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

In chemistry, Law states that the total enthalpy change is independent of the route taken.

Multiple Choice

In which variety of English is 'hess' most likely to refer to a coarse fabric?