Rumor: meaning, definitions and examples

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rumor

[ˈruːmər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

spread of unverified information

A rumor is a piece of unverified information or gossip that is circulating among people. It can be true, false, or somewhere in between. Rumors can spread quickly through word of mouth, social media, or other forms of communication.

Synonyms

gossip, hearsay, speculation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rumor	Used when referring to information that is spread by people but has not been confirmed as true. It can be both positive or negative. There is a rumor that a new shopping mall will be built here. I heard a rumor about a possible promotion next month.
gossip	Often carries a negative connotation and refers to informal talk about the personal or private affairs of others, usually spread within social circles. The office is full of gossip about the new manager. She loves to gossip about her neighbors.
hearsay	Used to refer to information received from others that is not substantiated or considered as reliable evidence, often heard second-hand. In court, they cannot rely on hearsay evidence to make a decision. Don't believe everything; it's just hearsay.
speculation	Refers to the act of forming opinions or theories about something without firm evidence, often about future events or outcomes. There is a lot of speculation about who will win the election. The company's stock price fluctuated due to speculation about financial troubles.

Examples of usage

The rumor about the celebrity's engagement spread like wildfire.
Don't believe everything you hear - it could just be a rumor.
She heard a rumor that the company was going bankrupt.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to spread unverified information

To rumor means to spread unverified information or gossip. It often involves sharing information that may not be true or accurate. Rumoring can have serious consequences, as it can damage reputations and cause unnecessary panic.

Synonyms

circulate hearsay, gossip, spread rumors.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rumor	This word can be used in both formal and informal situations to refer to a piece of information or a story that is not necessarily based on facts. It can sometimes carry a mildly negative connotation. There was a rumor going around that the company was going to be sold. Rumors about celebrities often spread quickly on social media.
gossip	This word is commonly used in informal settings to describe casual conversations that involve discussing others, often in a negative or sensational manner. They love to gossip about their neighbors during coffee breaks. High school students often engage in gossip during lunch.
spread rumors	This phrase is often used in a negative context to describe the deliberate act of passing along information that may not be true, usually intended to harm someone or something. Teachers warned students not to spread rumors about others. Spreading rumors can create unnecessary tension and conflict.
circulate hearsay	This phrase is typically used in formal or semi-formal contexts to describe the act of passing along unofficial information that has not been confirmed as true. The office staff often circulate hearsay about upcoming company changes. It's not wise to circulate hearsay without verifying the facts.

Examples of usage

People should be careful not to rumor without verifying the facts.
He's known for rumoring about his colleagues behind their backs.
The students started to rumor about the teacher's personal life.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'rumor' comes from the Latin word 'rumor', meaning noise or gossip.
It first appeared in English in the early 15th century, highlighting its long-standing role in communication.

Psychology

Researchers have found that people are more likely to share rumors during stressful situations, as they seek explanations for uncertainty.
The spread of misleading information is often easier than truth due to cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias.

Media Influence

With the rise of social media, the speed and reach of rumors have dramatically increased, leading to significant impacts on public perception.
Studies show that roughly 70% of rumors on social media turn out to be false or misleading.

Historical Context

During times of war, rumors can significantly influence public morale and perception of events.
The salem witch trials widely spread false rumors, leading to tragic consequences for many innocent people.

Pop Culture

Rumors about celebrities often dominate tabloid headlines, shaping public interest and fan speculation.
Certain songs and movies have revolved around the theme of rumors, either exploring their impact or presenting them as a backdrop for drama.

Translations

Translations of the word "rumor" in other languages:

🇵🇹 boato

🇮🇳 अफवाह

🇩🇪 Gerücht

🇮🇩 desas-desus

🇺🇦 чутка

🇵🇱 plotka

🇯🇵 噂 (うわさ)

🇫🇷 rumeur

🇪🇸 rumor

🇹🇷 söylenti

🇰🇷 소문 (somun)

🇸🇦 شائعة

🇨🇿 pověst

🇸🇰 povesť

🇨🇳 谣言 (yáoyán)

🇸🇮 govorica

🇮🇸 orðrómur

🇰🇿 сыбыс

🇬🇪 ჭორი

🇦🇿 şayiə

🇲🇽 rumor

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,127, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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13124 beggar
13125 exiled
13126 cartoon
13127 rumor
13128 thirsty
13129 attribution
13130 shutter
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