Rumor: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.