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to say

to say

∞ 1.0
Speak words to show information or feelings
  • verb
  • /seɪ/
: decir
  • - Anything else you want to say before I leave?
  • say things
  • say yes
  • say no

Because his first reaction was to say it's OK.

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Examples

  • Just think next time before you say something like that.

  • Because his first reaction was to say it's OK.

  • Now, what would you say are the key signs?

  • Now, often you hear people say trust your feelings.

  • OK, I just need to say one thing really quick.

  • And to that I say, yes, you will be.

  • What I always say is, look at it like this.

  • And today, I can say that I know why!

  • The first thing I would say is love is a verb.

  • She wanted to say what was on her mind during the meeting.

Synonyms

to tell
vsto say
∞ 1.0

Give someone information

is wider, covering any spoken expression beyond informing others
to talk
vsto say
∞ 1.0

Speak with someone to share ideas or information

includes both simple statements and other non-conversational verbal acts
to speak
vsto say
∞ 1.0

To talk with someone to share thoughts or feelings

is more general and includes one-way verbal expression, not only dialogue
to declare
vsto say
  • Formal
937 3.7

To officially tell other people or officials about something

is everyday expression, not limited to public or official announcements
to communicate
vsto say
749 2.3

Share information, ideas, or feelings with someone

is specific to expressing words in speech, not all communication methods
to state
vsto say
225 1.6

To say or write something clearly and officially

is more informal and broad, not necessarily clear or formal
to utter
vsto say
105 2.9

To say something aloud

is a broader act of expressing words in many ways, not only sound
to set forth
vsto say
  • Formal
36 4.2

To state something clearly in writing or speech

is a wider, less formal way to express words or instructions
to give voice
vsto say
32 4.3

To put thoughts or feelings into words

is broader, including brief statements or commands as well as opinions
to verbalize
vsto say
  • US
10 4.8

To put thoughts or feelings into words

is the general expression of words, not specifically converting inner thought
to enunciate
vsto say
10 5.8

To pronounce words clearly so people understand

focuses on general expression rather than precise pronunciation
to utter a word
vsto say
8 4.1

To say any words, often used with not to mean say nothing

covers general verbal expression, not only the act of speaking one word
to aver
vsto say
  • Formal
4 7.9

To say firmly that something is true

is neutral expression without the added force or confident assertion
to articulate
vsto say
1 4.4

To pronounce words clearly so others understand

is neutral expression without the emphasis on clarity or precision
to enounce
vsto say
1 9.9

To pronounce words or syllables clearly

is the general act of expressing words, not focused on manner
to give tongue to
vsto say
  • Archaic
1 8.5

To say feelings or thoughts aloud

covers the full range of expressing words, not only making sounds

Antonyms

179 3.7

To hide something so others cannot see or find it

Idioms

to say the least
  • Informal
80 4.2

Shows that something is much worse than it seems

say what
  • Informal
79 9.8

A short phrase showing surprise and not believing what someone said

To say something more clearly

Asking someone if they agree with what you said

to say it all
  • Informal
44 4.6

To show feelings or meaning without words

30 9.1

Saying advice is easy when you are not in the same situation

29 5.6

To show that a phrase is not meant exactly but is a common way to say something

to say no more
  • Informal
23 4.9

To stop talking because more words are not needed or would not be right

to say cheese
  • Informal
18 4.6

To ask people to smile for a photo

To mention an extra fact that makes the situation seem more surprising or serious

17 6.5

Said, often politely, to show you think something is likely to be true

if you say so
  • Informal
15 7.7

Accept what someone says while showing doubt or little interest

2 7.7

Said when you doubt what someone says, often ironically

to say uncle
  • Informal
2 8.9

To give up because of pressure or pain

say no more
  • Informal
1 4.1

To tell someone you understand and will do what they want without more explanation

the hell you say
  • Informal
1 9.9

A strong spoken reaction showing surprise and disbelief

To openly say something people usually keep secret

to say you swear
  • Informal
1 8.5

Ask someone to promise they are telling the truth or will keep a secret

It happens very quickly

An offer that is as fair as possible and cannot be better

To refuse something by joking that you already did it

To show a strong idea with very few words

Phrasal Verbs

509 1.0

To tell someone you are leaving and wish them well

424 1.6

Repeat what you just said so others can hear or understand

75 4.2

Ask someone to repeat what they just said or agree strongly with a comment

57 3.1

To be able to give an opinion and influence a decision

32 5.5

To say a short prayer of thanks before a meal

16 3.8

To tell someone goodbye before you leave, often in a formal or sad way

1 7.4

Tell the person who is pouring when to stop

to just say
  • Informal
6.5

Ask someone to tell you when they have enough or want more

to say hooroo
  • Australian
9.9

To say goodbye to someone in a friendly, informal way

7.5

To speak less and pay attention to other people's words

Compounds

24 5.6

Permission that a person in charge gives to do something

15 4.0

The power to make the last decision in a matter

never-say-die
  • Informal
3 7.4

A person who shows strong hope and refuses to give up

1 9.4

A friendly nickname people use for baseball player Willie Mays

How Clearly

to declare
  • Formal
937 3.7
to state
225 1.6
to say
∞ 1.0
to mutter
136 3.7
to mumble
116 4.9

Surface Forms

say infinitive
saying present participle
says third person singular
said past
said past participle

Etymology

Say comes from an old English word secgan meaning 'to tell', so to say something is to put words out and tell others with your voice.