Hearsay: meaning, definitions and examples

Used mainly in legal settings or formal discussions to indicate information received from others that one cannot substantiate; it is often considered unreliable.

• The judge dismissed the evidence as hearsay.
• In court, hearsay is generally not admissible without corroborating evidence.

Refers to an unverified piece of information or story that circulates among people, often causing speculation or concern; can be positive or negative, but frequently has a negative connotation when the information is harmful or false.

• There is a rumor that the company is planning to lay off employees.
• He heard a rumor about the new project, but it turned out to be false.

Commonly used in everyday conversation to describe casual or idle talk about other people's private affairs, often with a negative connotation.

• She enjoys spreading gossip about her coworkers.
• Office gossip can damage reputations and create a toxic work environment.

Used when discussing assumptions or hypotheses based on incomplete information; often seen in economic, scientific, or news contexts where uncertainties are being debated.

• The speculation about the stock market crash caused widespread panic.
• There is a lot of speculation regarding the reasons for his sudden resignation.

Use when referring to information received from others that one cannot substantiate; often used in legal contexts.

• The court dismissed the statement as hearsay.
• He was arrested based on hearsay, not concrete evidence.

Describes informal or casual conversation about other people, often involving details that are not confirmed as true. Usually has a negative connotation due to its invasive nature.

• They're always gossiping about their neighbors.
• Don't spread gossip; it can hurt people.

Use when referring to a piece of information or a story that is spread from person to person but has not been confirmed as true. Often carries a sense of uncertainty.

• There are rumors that the company is going to lay off employees.
• She heard a rumor about the new policy changes.