say
/sei/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb:
- To utter words; to speak: To produce words with your voice in order to communicate.
- To express in words; to state: To communicate an idea, opinion, or fact using language.
- To recite or repeat from memory: To speak a fixed or memorized text aloud.
- To indicate; to show: To convey information non-verbally or to be evidence of something.
- To suppose; to assume: Used to introduce a hypothesis or example for consideration.
- To report or maintain: To claim or assert something as a fact.
Noun:
- The right or opportunity to express an opinion: A chance to state one's view or have influence in a decision.
Usage Examples
Verb:
- She said "hello" to everyone in the office. (She spoke the word "hello".)
- He said that he wanted to leave. (He expressed his desire to leave.)
- Please say the pledge of allegiance. (Please recite it from memory.)
- The clock says it's noon. (The clock indicates the time is noon.)
- Let's say you win the lottery—what would you do? (Let's suppose you win.)
- The witness said he saw the suspect at the scene. (The witness reported this fact.)
Noun:
- Everyone should have their say in the meeting. (Everyone should have a chance to state their opinion.)
Advanced Usage
- "That is to say": Used to introduce a rephrasing or clarification.
- He works the night shift, that is to say, from 10 PM to 6 AM.
- "It goes without saying": Used to state that something is obvious or understood.
- It goes without saying that safety is our top priority.
- "To say the least": Used to suggest that a description is an understatement.
- The interview was challenging, to say the least.
Variants and Related Words
- Saying (n): A well-known phrase or proverb; a maxim.
- "A stitch in time saves nine" is a common saying.
- Unsaid (adj): Not expressed in words.
- There was an unsaid tension between them.
Synonyms
- Verb: State, declare, utter, express, articulate, mention, assert.
- Noun: Voice, opinion, turn (to speak).
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Say for: To offer as an excuse or explanation (often in "have something/nothing to say for oneself").
- He had very little to say for himself when questioned about the mistake.
- Say to: To give an opinion about (often in "what do you say to...").
- What do you say to going out for dinner?
Related Idioms
- Say the word: To give a signal or command.
- Just say the word and I'll start the car.
- Say no more: Used to indicate that you understand completely, so no further explanation is needed.
- You need a favor? Say no more, I'll help you.
- You can say that again!: Used to express strong agreement with what someone has just said.
- "This cake is delicious!" "You can say that again!"
Noun
- the chance to speak
- let him have his say
Verb
- indicate
- The clock says noon
- recite or repeat a fixed text
- Say grace
- She said her `Hail Mary'
- state as one's opinion or judgement; declare
- I say let's forget this whole business
- utter aloud
- She said `Hello' to everyone in the office
- communicate or express nonverbally
- What does this painting say?
- Did his face say anything about how he felt?
- speak, pronounce, or utter in a certain way
- She pronounces French words in a funny way
- I cannot say `zip wire'
- Can the child sound out this complicated word?
- give instructions to or direct somebody to do something with authority
- I said to him to go home
- She ordered him to do the shopping
- The mother told the child to get dressed
- have or contain a certain wording or form
- The passage reads as follows
- What does the law say?
- express a supposition
- Let us say that he did not tell the truth
- Let's say you had a lot of money--what would you do?
- report or maintain
- He alleged that he was the victim of a crime
- He said it was too late to intervene in the war
- The registrar says that I owe the school money
- express in words
- He said that he wanted to marry her
- tell me what is bothering you
- state your opinion
- state your name