hearsay

American  

[heer-sey] / ˈhɪərˌseɪ /

noun

1. unverified, unofficial information gained or acquired from another and not part of one's direct knowledge.

   I pay no attention to hearsay.

   Synonyms:

   tittle-tattle, babble, scuttlebutt, talk

2. an item of idle or unverified information or gossip; rumor.

   a malicious hearsay.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by hearsay.

   hearsay knowledge;

   a hearsay report.

hearsay British  

/ ˈhɪəˌseɪ /

noun

1. gossip; rumour

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hearsay Cultural  

1. Information heard by one person about another. Hearsay is generally inadmissible as evidence in a court of law because it is based on the reports of others rather than on the personal knowledge of a witness.

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Etymology

Origin of hearsay

First recorded in 1525–35; originally in phrase by hear say, calque of Middle French par ouïr dire

Example Sentences

Adams' lawyers had argued the case was based on "an assortment of hearsay" and that it had been brought several decades too late.

From BBC

Adams' lawyers have argued the case is based on "an assortment of hearsay" and that it has been brought several decades too late.

From BBC

Adams' lawyers have claimed the case is built on "an assortment of hearsay evidence" and have criticised the timing of the case, which is being brought several decades after the attacks.

From BBC

Adams' lawyers have claimed the case is built on "an assortment of hearsay evidence".

From BBC

His defence team countered that Duterte had murdered no one and that the prosecution's argument was based on "hearsay" and "conjecture", falling far short of the bar needed to confirm the charges against him.

From Barron's

Related Words

• gossip