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Hearsay Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hearsay

[ˈhɪərseɪ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal term

Information received from other people that one cannot adequately substantiate; rumor.

Synonyms

gossip, rumor, speculation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hearsay

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.
rumor

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.
gossip

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.
speculation

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.

Examples of usage

  • The judge ruled the evidence as inadmissible due to lack of concrete proof and deemed it as hearsay.
  • The case was dismissed as it was based solely on hearsay and lacked any tangible evidence.
Context #2 | Noun

everyday conversation

Unverified, unofficial information gained or acquired from another person.

Synonyms

gossip, rumor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
hearsay

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.
gossip

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.
rumor

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.

Examples of usage

  • I don't believe in hearsay, I prefer to hear things firsthand.
  • Don't trust everything you hear, most of it is just hearsay.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In legal settings, hearsay is often not allowed as evidence because it can be unreliable.
  • Hearsay rules help ensure that people can only testify about what they directly witnessed, making court proceedings fairer.
  • There are exceptions to hearsay rules, such as when the information is considered trustworthy or when it's a dying declaration.

Linguistics

  • The term comes from Middle English 'hersey,' which literally means 'what one hears.'
  • Hearsay is often contrasted with first-hand evidence, which is based on direct observation.
  • The concept of hearsay highlights the importance of source credibility in communication and knowledge sharing.

Cultural Impact

  • Gossip is often considered a form of hearsay, and has been a fixture of human interaction for centuries.
  • In various cultures, hearsay can shape public opinion, sometimes leading to significant societal consequences.
  • Stories passed through hearsay can evolve, changing details as they spread, which contributes to folklore and urban legends.

Psychology

  • Hearsay can impact how people form beliefs or opinions, even if the information is inaccurate.
  • Our brains are wired to trust spoken information from others more than written information, which can make hearsay persuasive.
  • The mere exposure effect suggests that people may accept hearsay as true if they hear it often, regardless of its validity.

Media and Communication

  • In the age of social media, hearsay spreads rapidly, sometimes leading to the viral sharing of false information.
  • Fact-checking organizations often work to debunk hearsay that circulates widely in news and social media.
  • Responsible journalism requires verifying information before reporting, to avoid amplifying hearsay.

Origin of 'hearsay'

The term 'hearsay' originated in the late 16th century from the combination of 'hear' and 'say'. It was initially used in legal contexts to refer to evidence based on the reports of others rather than firsthand knowledge or observation. Over time, the term has become more widely used in everyday conversation to describe unverified information or rumors passed from one person to another.

See also: hear, hearing, rehearing, rehearse, unheard.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,916, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.