hearsay

/ˈhɪɹˌseɪ/

UK: /ˈhɪəseɪ/

hearsay

English Noun Top 18,145
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Definition

Information that was heard by one person about another that cannot be adequately substantiated.

Etymology

From Middle English hyere-zigginge (1340), here sey (ca. 1438), from the phrase heren seien (“to hear [people] say”). Compare equally old Middle High German hœrsagen (14th c.), whence modern Hörensagen.

Example Sentences

  • "based on hearsay"
  • "The story turned out to be nothing but hearsay."
  • "dismiss hearsay"
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