said
1 Americanverb
adjective
noun
adjective
verb
noun
Etymology
Origin of said
First recorded in 1300–50, for the adjective
Explanation
The word said is the past tense of the verb "say," but it can also be used as an adjective to refer to something that has been previously introduced. Although said is most commonly used as the past tense of the verb say, its use as an adjective comes mainly in legal and business writing. In that vein, the word offers a reference to something that was mentioned earlier. The judge may tell you that if you can't provide said evidence, your case will be dismissed. That evidence was mentioned before. If you don't know what the said example is, you must not have been paying attention.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“This is one of the most heartbreaking incidents I have witnessed during my time serving this community,” Orgill said in the statement.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026
“HUD cannot ignore LAHSA’s wanton mismanagement of public funds,” Hughes said in his letter.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026
“Of course we want to do well. We want the game to grow,” U.S. star Christian Pulisic said before training Thursday in Irvine.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026
“Historically, teams that host the World Cup outperform their capabilities,” Donovan said.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026
“Excuse you. I said I got this,” he says, affronted.
From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.