say-so
[sey-soh]
- one's personal statement or assertion.
- final authority; directing influence.
- an authoritative statement.
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Origin of say-so
First recorded in 1630–40; orig., one's mere word on a matter, as opposed to proof
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
controlpizzazzrightforceweightjurisdictioninfluencecloutjumpjuicesayprerogativeesteemzapmightstrengthbeefgutschargestuffExamples from the Web for say-so
Contemporary Examples
Compston managed all this without the say-so of the Courtauld, which sent him a stinging letter.
Joshua Compston Was Once the Wunderkind of the British Art World…and Now He’s Been Practically ForgottenAnthony Haden-Guest
January 17, 2014
Marchman takes it as a given that MLB basing its case on the say-so of a sketchy Floridian drug-dealer is preposterous.
Historical Examples
For a starter, then, takin' your say-so for it, you're a Southern man?'
Faro Nell and Her FriendsAlfred Henry Lewis
The Mistress owned the slaves and they couldn't be sold without her say-so.
Slave Narratives, OklahomaVarious
I'll back him up in anything, no matter what, if it's his say-so.
If he's willing, we'll take him on your say-so, and snap at the chance.
Jim Spurling, FishermanAlbert Walter Tolman
"I'll let it go at that on your say-so," Sandy returned, with surprising calmness.
Desert ConquestA. M. Chisholm
say-so
- an arbitrary assertion
- an authoritative decision
- the authority to make a final decision
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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