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- pronunciation:
- seI
- parts of speech:
- transitive verb, intransitive verb, adverb, noun, interjection
- phrases:
- go without saying, to say nothing of
- features:
- Word Combinations (noun), Grammatical Patterns
part of speech: |
transitive verb |
inflections: |
says, saying, said |
definition 1: |
to speak or utter.
How do you say this word in French?There is a "b" in the word "debt," but we don't say it.He shouldn't say words like that in front of the children.- synonyms:
- speak, utter, voice
- similar words:
- articulate, communicate, phrase, pronounce, sound, tell, verbalize, vocalize
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definition 2: |
to express in speech or written words.
He said that he felt sick and wanted to go home.[verb + (that) + clause
]
What does she say in her letter?She said how glad she was to finally meet us.[verb + WH/whether/if + clause
]
I can't understand why he would say a thing like that!Did they say if they were coming or not?[verb + WH/whether/if + clause
]
He said to his boss that he was planning to quit.[verb + to smby/smth + object
]
She's so upset! What did you say to her?[verb + to smby/smth + object
]
- synonyms:
- express
- similar words:
- articulate, communicate, convey, deliver, enunciate, go, phrase, read, relate, state, tell, utter
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definition 3: |
to communicate (some request or instruction) in speech or writing (fol. by an infinitive).
Mom said to stop what you're doing and come in for dinner.[verb + infinitive
]
The boss said not to throw out those old bottles but to put them in the recycling bin.[verb + infinitive
]
The recipe says to stir in the sugar gradually.[verb + infinitive
]
Do the instructions say how to install the battery?[verb + WH/whether + infinitive
]
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definition 4: |
to report.
They said on the news channel that the rumor is true.[verb + (that) + clause
]
Scientists are now saying that the volcano is showing signs of eruption.[verb + (that) + clause
]
- synonyms:
- declare, disclose, maintain, relate, report
- similar words:
- allege, assert, claim, offer, pronounce, tell
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definition 5: |
to state with assurance.
I cannot say what time he actually arrived.[verb + WH/whether/if + clause
]
- synonyms:
- affirm, allege, assert, declare, state
- similar words:
- asseverate, aver, avouch, proclaim, put, report
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definition 6: |
to recite or utter as in a formal situation.
Let us say a prayer for the dead.- synonyms:
- recite
- similar words:
- declaim, deliver, pronounce, render, speak, utter
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definition 7: |
to show, as a clock.
My watch says it is three o'clock.[verb + (that) + clause
]
- synonyms:
- read
- similar words:
- display, indicate, show
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definition 8: |
to indicate, suggest, or signify.
What does this tragic event say about our society?It's an attractive painting, but it doesn't really say anything.- synonyms:
- indicate, suggest
- similar words:
- mean, signify
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definition 9: |
to suppose or take as an assumption.
Let's say that you won the lottery; what would you do with the money?[verb + (that) + clause
]
- synonyms:
- assume, posit, suppose
- similar words:
- imagine
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related words: |
avow, express, mention, observe, remark, rumor, word |
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part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
definition: |
to speak or express an opinion, idea, or directive.
The police asked for information about the young man, but no one was saying.You have no choice; you must do as I say. |
related words: |
communicate, observe, remark, run, speak |
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part of speech: |
adverb |
definition 1: |
approximately; about.
Give me, say, fifteen minutes to get ready.- synonyms:
- about, approximately, more or less
- similar words:
- roughly
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definition 2: |
for instance.
After every fight, he buys her something--say some roses--and when he gives them to her, she forgives him.- synonyms:
- for instance, such as
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part of speech: |
noun |
definition 1: |
a chance to speak, esp. to express an opinion.
He wants his say in the matter.The children had no say in the decision to move.- synonyms:
- voice
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definition 2: |
authority.
She has the say in this company.- synonyms:
- authority, clout, control, sway
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related words: |
turn |
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part of speech: |
interjection |
definition 1: |
used to get someone's attention.
Say, could I borrow your lighter?Say, I've got an idea! Let's invite everyone! |
definition 2: |
used to express surprise or mild indignation.
Say! You're that little girl who lived next door!Say! That's my drink you're sipping! |
phrase: |
go without saying, to say nothing of |
derivation: |
sayer (n.) |
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