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Glite Dictionary
🗣️ To speak 🪧 To show information 👀 To show without words 💭 To suppose 🗳️ An opinion
to say

to say

∞ 3.0
Imagine something to use as an example in a discussion
  • verb
  • /seɪ/
translation icon : suponer
  • Let's say you were to travel to Paris for the first time.
  • let's say

All right, so let's say I come to you.

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Examples

  • What kind of measure would you say is appropriate?

    The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976)

  • But let me say this, and this is just facts.

  • Well, first of all, where would you say that guy goes?

  • What do you think we should say to each other?

    All of Us Strangers (2023)

  • What makes you say that?

    Double Indemnity (1944)

  • So, now is the time to say goodbye and good luck to all.

    Academic text (1999)

  • "Now, then: can you ask the computer to search for, let us say, three hundred animals?"

    Fiction book (1990)

  • Well, I think I can say well done, Anna!

    #No_Filter (2022)

  • We are in Heaven now, that is to say, if there is one at all on earth.

    Academic text (1990)

  • Now, let's say goodbye to Juno one last time.

    Rampage (1987)

Synonyms

to suppose
vsto say
∞ 2.7

To think something is true without clear proof

is more casual and used to imagine or suggest in discussion
to posit
vsto say
  • Formal
35 7.5

To suggest that something is true as the start of an argument

is less formal and not presented as a firm premise for argument
to postulate
vsto say
  • Formal
17 7.5

To suggest that something is true to explain facts

is more conversational and used for simple hypothetical examples

Idioms

say what
  • Informal
68 9.8

A short phrase showing surprise and not believing what someone said

to say the least
  • Informal
66 4.2

Shows that something is much worse than it seems

to I dare say
  • UK
43 6.5

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

that is to say
37 3.5

To say something more clearly

to say it all
  • Informal
37 4.6

To show feelings or meaning without words

wouldn't you say
31 6.2

Asking someone if they agree with what you said

as we say
23 5.6

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

to say cheese
  • Informal
18 4.6

To ask people to smile for a photo

if you say so
  • Informal
15 7.7

Accept what someone says while showing doubt or little interest

to say nothing of
6 6.1

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

say no more
  • Informal
5 4.1

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

easy for you to say
  • Informal
3 9.1

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

I dare say
  • UK
3 7.7

Said when you doubt what someone says, often ironically

to say no more
  • Informal
3 4.9

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

to say uncle
  • Informal
2 8.9

To give up because of pressure or pain

to say less and mean more
1 7.9

To show a strong idea with very few words

to say the quiet part loud
  • UK
1 9.1

To openly say something people usually keep secret

before you can say knife
  • UK
9.9

It happens very quickly

can't say fairer than that
9.9

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

let's not and say we did
  • Informal
9.9

To refuse something by joking that you already did it

to say you swear
  • Informal
8.5

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

the hell you say
  • Informal
9.9

A strong spoken reaction showing surprise and disbelief

Phrasal Verbs

to say goodbye
562 1.0

To tell someone you are leaving and wish them well

to just say
  • Informal
412 6.5

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

to say again
89 1.6

Repeat what you just said so others can hear or understand

to say that again
  • Informal
52 4.2

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

to have a say
46 3.1

To be able to give an opinion and influence a decision

to say grace
35 5.5

To say a short prayer of thanks before a meal

to say when
22 7.4

Tell the person who is pouring when to stop

to say farewell
  • Formal
12 3.8

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

to say hooroo
  • Australian
9.9

To say goodbye to someone in a friendly, informal way

to say less and listen
  • Informal
7.5

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

Compounds

say-so
87 5.6

Permission that a person in charge gives to do something

final say
14 4.0

The power to make the last decision in a matter

Say Hey Kid
3 9.4

A friendly nickname people use for baseball player Willie Mays

never-say-die
  • Informal
2 7.4

A person who shows strong hope and refuses to give up

How Clear

to spell out
79 3.5
to clarify
248 3.3
to state
∞ 1.6
to say
∞ 3.0
to suggest
∞ 2.1
to hint
136 2.0

Surface Forms

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

Etymology

Say comes from the old English secgan meaning 'to tell', and a helpful way to remember the example use is to think of it as 'telling' a simple idea or story for people to imagine.