say: Meaning and Definition of

say

Pronunciation: (sā), [key]
— v., adv., n., interj. said, say•ing,
—v.t.
  1. to utter or pronounce; speak: What did you say? I said “Hello!”
  2. to express in words; state; declare; word: Say it clearly and simply. It's hard to know how to say this tactfully.
  3. to state as an opinion or judgment: I say her plan is the better one.
  4. to be certain, precise, or assured about; determine: It is hard to say what is wrong.
  5. to recite or repeat: to say one's prayers.
  6. to report or allege; maintain: People say he will resign.
  7. to express (a message, viewpoint, etc.), as through a literary or other artistic medium: a writer with something to say.
  8. to indicate or show: What does your watch say?
  9. to assume as a hypothesis or estimate: Let's say, for the sake of argument, that it's true.
—v.i.
  1. to speak; declare; express an opinion.
  2. that is what is meant; in other words: I believe his account of the story, that is to say, I have no reason to doubt it.
—adv.
  1. approximately; about: It's, say, 14 feet long.
  2. for example: If you serve, say tuna fish and potato chips, it will cost much less.
—n.
  1. what a person says or has to say.
  2. the right or opportunity to speak, decide, or exercise influence: to have one's say in choosing the candidate.
  3. a turn to say something: It is now my say.
—interj.
  1. (used to express surprise, get attention, etc.)

say

Pronunciation: (sā), [key]
— v.t., n. Brit. Dial.
  1. assay.

say

Pronunciation: (sā), [key]
— n.
  1. a thin silk or woolen fabric similar to serge, much used in the 16th century.

Say

Pronunciation: (sā), [key]
— n.
  1. 1767–1832, French economist. Cf.
  2. 1787–1834, U.S. entomologist.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
See also:
  • say (Thesaurus)