Meaning & Definition of Hearsay in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: Rumor or unverified information.

  Example Sentence: The news spread quickly, but it was just hearsay.

• Definition: Testimony given by a witness based on what others have said, rather than on personal knowledge.

  Example Sentence: The lawyer objected to the hearsay evidence presented in court.

• Definition: Information that is reported by someone who is not a direct witness.

  Example Sentence: Hearsay can be unreliable in legal situations.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English: from hear + say.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• hearsay evidence: Testimony that is not based on a witness's direct experience.
• hearsay rule: A legal rule barring the use of hearsay in courts.
• rumor mill: A situation in which rumors or gossip are spread.

Translations

• Spanish: rumor

• French: rumeur

• German: Gerücht

• Russian: слух

Related Words

• testimony: A formal written or spoken statement, especially in a court of law.

• witness: A person who sees an event, typically a crime or accident, take place.

Slang Meanings of hearsay

• Meaning: Chit-chat

  Example Sentence: I heard all that through the chit-chat at the office.

• Meaning: Second-hand information

  Example Sentence: Don't take that as fact; it's just second-hand information.