say

Say is defined as to speak or express in words.

(verb)

An example of to say is to greet a friend "Hello."

Say means approximately or for example.

(adverb)

An example of say used as an adverb is to make a statement using the word "say" before the actual estimate such as, "That ice cream cone has, say, 700 calories," which means the ice cream cone has about 700 calories.

The definition of a say is the right to speak or choose.

(noun)

An example of a say is the right to vote in a school election.

YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.

See say in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb said, saying, says

  1. to utter, pronounce, or speak
  2. to express in words; state; declare; tell
  3. to state positively, with assurance, or as an opinion: who can say what will be?
  4. to indicate or show: the clock says ten
  5. to recite; repeat: to say one's prayers
  6. to estimate; assume; hypothesize: he is, I'd say, forty
  7. to allege; report: people say he's angry
  8. to communicate (an idea, feeling, etc.): a painting that says nothing

Origin: ME seien (< orig. 3d pers. sing., pres. indic.), seggen < OE secgan, akin to sagu, a saying, tale (ON saga), Ger sagen, to say < IE base *sekw-, to note, see, show, say (> see, L inseque (imper.), tell!), orig., to follow > L sequi

intransitive verb

to make a statement; speak; express an opinion

noun

  1. a chance to speak: to have one's say
  2. power or authority, as to make or help make a final decision: often with the
  3. Archaic what a person says; dictum

adverb

  1. for example: any fish, say perch
  2. about; nearly: costing, say, 10 dollars

interjection

used to express surprise, admiration, etc., or to get someone's attention

Related Forms:

See say in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb said said (sĕd), say·ing, says says (sĕz)
verb, transitive
  1. To utter aloud; pronounce: The children said, “Good morning.”
  2. To express in words: Say what's on your mind.
  3. a. To state as one's opinion or judgment; declare: I say let's eat out.
    b. To state as a determination of fact: It's hard to say who is right in this matter.
  4. To repeat or recite: said grace.
  5. To report or maintain; allege.
  6. a. To indicate; show: The clock says half past two.
    b. To give nonverbal expression to; signify or embody: It was an act that said “devotion.”
  7. To suppose; assume: Let's say that you're right.
verb, intransitive
To make a statement; express oneself: The story must be true because the teacher said so.
noun
  1. A turn or chance to speak: Having had my say, I sat down.
  2. The right or power to influence or make a decision: Citizens have a say in the councils of government. All I want is some say in the matter.
  3. Archaic Something said; a statement.
adverb
  1. Approximately: There were, say, 500 people present.
  2. For instance: a woodwind, say an oboe.
interjection
Used to express surprise or appeal for someone's attention.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English seien

Origin: , from Old English secgan; see sekw-3 in Indo-European roots

.

Related Forms:

  • sayˈer noun

Learn more about say

link/cite print suggestion box