say: Meaning and Definition of

say

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.

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.

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.

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.

1. (used to express surprise, get attention, etc.)

say

1. assay.

say

1. a thin silk or woolen fabric similar to serge, much used in the 16th century.

Say

1. 1767–1832, French economist. Cf.
2. 1787–1834, U.S. entomologist.