say

  • verb (says; past and past part. said) 1 utter words so as to convey information, an opinion, an instruction, etc. 2 (of a text or symbol) convey information or instructions. 3 (of a clock or watch) indicate (a time). 4 (be said) be asserted or reported. 5 (say for) present (a consideration) in favour of or excusing: he had nothing to say for himself. 6 assume as a hypothesis.

  • noun 1 an opportunity to state one’s opinion or feelings. 2 an opportunity to influence events.

  — PHRASES go without saying be obvious. how say you? Law how do you find? (used to request a jury’s verdict). say the word give permission or instructions. there is no saying it is impossible to know. they say it is rumoured. when all is said and done when everything is taken into account.

  — DERIVATIVES sayable adjective sayer noun.

  — ORIGIN Old English.

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