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rumor
[ roo-mer ]
noun
- a story or statement in general circulation without confirmation or certainty as to facts:
a rumor of war.
Synonyms: report
Don't listen to rumor.
- Archaic. a continuous, confused noise; clamor; din.
verb (used with object)
- to circulate, report, or assert by a rumor:
It is rumored that the king is dead.
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Other Words From
- un·rumored adjective
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Word History and Origins
Origin of rumor1
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Example Sentences
If the latest rumors from Android Central are to be believed, the answer is apparently "not much."
Unsubstantiated rumors that khat leaves can carry the coronavirus haven’t helped either.
Because the rumors mentioned voter data from Michigan, the office of Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson also denied that any information had been stolen.
The controversies come as Robinhood is adding senior executives specializing in compliance ahead of rumors the company soon plans to go public.
By the end of 2019, such rumors were linked to at least 70 violent incidents, according to analysis by the data journalism website IndiaSpend.
Another rumor that has existed since before The Empire Strikes Back was released.
Not even Radio Bemba (Cuban slang for the rumor mill) had picked up the signal.
He does, however, attempt to dispel some of the myths that have emerged from hearsay and rumor over the last century.
Thus the rumor as well as the reality of the threat is used for intimidation.
A Rumor of Angels: Quotations for Living, Dying and Letting Goby Gail Perry Johnson and Jill Perry Rabideau.
There was a rumor that Alessandro and his father had both died; but no one knew anything certainly.
In 1821 rumor had it that he intended to wed a miller's widow, his patroness, who was thirty-two years old.
Our men thought it was an exaggerated rumor, but still they were advising people to leave Holland as early as possible.
But while the rumor remained uncontradicted it caused high excitement and great rage.
There is a rumor that if the two overcome the Christians, they turn their arms against the kalif and the arch-sultan next.
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More About Rumor
What does rumor mean?
A rumor is a story or statement that is being passed around without confirmation that the information is true, as in I heard a rumor about a new superhero movie.
Rumor can also mean general hearsay, as in You shouldn’t put much faith in rumor and speculation.
As a verb, rumor means to spread or report rumors. When used this way, it is usually accompanied by the thing that is a rumor, as in It has been rumored that Disney is building a new amusement park outside the city.
While rumor does mean the information hasn’t been checked, it is still possible for it to be true. For this reason, rumor may not always be able to be used as a synonym for words like lie, falsehood, nonsense, or fiction.
In British English, rumor is often spelled as rumour.
A person who loves spreading rumors is called a rumormonger.
Example: My gossipy neighbor loves spreading ridiculous rumors all over town.
Where does rumor come from?
The first records of rumor come from around 1325. It ultimately comes from the Latin rūmor. Even in ancient Rome, people couldn’t help themselves from spreading rumors.
People are fascinated by rumors. Magazines and celebrity gossip publications often dedicate entire issues to spreading rumors about famous people. Rumors allow our imagination to run wild, which is probably why we enjoy hearing them.
Professional journalists are not supposed to report rumors as facts and will typically alert readers that the information is unconfirmed to avoid being sued for slander or libel.
Did you know … ?
What are some other forms related to rumor?
- rumour (alternative spelling)
- unrumored (adjective)
What are some synonyms for rumor?
What are some words that share a root or word element with rumor?
What are some words that often get used in discussing rumor?
How is rumor used in real life?
People love to spread rumors. A word of advice: It is a good idea to check for the truth if a rumor sounds ridiculous or untrue.
WHAT'S THE HOT GOSSIP? Looking for some JUICY rumors…
— Ryland Adams (@Ryland_Adams) March 15, 2017
I heard/ read those rumors too and is not impossible.
— Guada Vicky (@GuadaQuis) May 21, 2021
The iPhone I want isn’t coming out until November (according to rumors) 😔
— Scoop There It Is! (@WhoIsWynton) October 13, 2020
Try using rumor!
Which of the following is NOT a synonym of rumor?
A. gossip
B. truth
C. hearsay
D. tale
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