say-so

[sey-soh]

noun

plural

say-sos 

1. one's personal statement or assertion.

2. final authority; directing influence.

3. an authoritative statement.

say-so

noun

1. an arbitrary assertion

2. an authoritative decision

3. the authority to make a final decision

Word History and Origins

Origin of say-so¹

First recorded in 1630–40; originally, one's mere word on a matter, as opposed to proof

Example Sentences

Letting Musk end them on the say-so of an anonymous tweeter is lunacy.

Read more on Salon

Most analysts say that without the explicit say-so from Pakistan’s politically powerful military, Mr Khan will not be let out.

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Our democracy is designed to depend on neutral arbiters — namely, the courts — to deprive citizens of liberty, not the say-so of a ruler.

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“That’s just where I was drafted. So I didn’t have no say-so in that. I finally got an opportunity where I’m put in a position where I think it’s the best opportunity for me.”

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“Now we have a seat at the table and some say-so in how this proceeds forward, which is a big step,” says Gill.

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