say-so

American  

[sey-soh] / ˈseɪˌsoʊ /

noun

say-sos plural

1. one's personal statement or assertion.

2. final authority; directing influence.

3. an authoritative statement.

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say-so British  

noun

1. an arbitrary assertion

2. an authoritative decision

3. the authority to make a final decision

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• say-sos
  plural

Etymology

Origin of say-so

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

Example Sentences

China would also like the war to end for its energy needs, but its influence on Iran is limited, analysts say, so any offer of support by Xi might not ultimately meet Trump’s expectations.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

But, if I may say so, the good life has other important components, and optimizing too much — rather than settling for “good enough” — may defeat the well-lived life.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

Jonsson’s silences always seem to say so much and in “Wasteman” he capitalizes on his reserved demeanor and smaller frame to create a character who is much less frightening than those around him.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

That’s illegal, and we’re going to get the courts to say so.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

“Why didn’t you say so in the first place?”

From "The Book of Three" by Lloyd Alexander