say v. (says; past and past part.said) 1 [reporting verb]…
![“say v. (says; past and past part.said) 1 [reporting verb] utter words so as to convey information, an opinion, a feeling or intention, or an instruction: [with direct speech] “Thank you,” he said | [with clause] he said the fund stood at $100,000 | [trans.] our parents wouldn't believe a word we…” quote by Oxford University Press](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/498/oxford-university-press-30025_communication_say-v-says-past-and-past-part-said-1-rep_2258132.jpg)
““say v. (says; past and past part.said) 1 [reporting verb] utter words so as to convey information, an opinion, a feeling or intention, or an instruction: [with direct speech] “Thank you,” he said | [with clause] he said the fund stood at $100,000 | [trans.] our parents wouldn't believe a word we said | [with infinitive] he said to come early. (of a text or a symbolic representation) convey specified information or instructions: [with clause] the law says such behavior is an offense. [trans.] enable a listener or reader to learn or understand something by conveying or revealing (information or ideas): I don't want to say too much | FIGURATIVEthe movie's title says it all. [trans.] (of a clock or watch) indicate (a specified time): the clock says ten past two. (be said) be asserted or reported (often used to avoid committing the speaker or writer to the truth of the assertion): [with infinitive] they were said to be training freedom fighters | [with clause] it is said that she lived to be over a hundred. [trans.] (say something for) present a consideration in favor of or excusing (someone or something): all I can say for him is that he's””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The entry defines “say” as a verb used to convey information, opinion, feeling, intention, or instruction in various grammatical contexts.
In simple terms: “Say” means to express or indicate something.
Key Takeaway
Use precise language to convey meaning.
Themes
communication
language
expression
Mood
informative
neutral
Type
definition
reference
When to use this quote
- writing
- speaking
- teaching
- legal drafting
Key Concepts
semantics
grammar
pragmatics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does context shape the meaning of “say”?
- When might you choose indirect phrasing?
A Different Perspective
Words can be ambiguous and may be misinterpreted.