Rumour: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฃ๏ธ
rumour
[หruหmษr ]
Definitions
in social media
Information or a story that is passed from one person to another and which may or may not be true.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| rumour |
This term is often used when referring to information that is circulating among people, but is not confirmed as true. It can be neutral or negative depending on the subject matter.
|
| gossip |
Gossip typically refers to talk or stories about the personal lives and private matters of other people. It often has a negative connotation, implying that the information is either trivial or spread with malice.
|
| hearsay |
Hearsay is information received from other people that one cannot adequately substantiate. It is often considered unreliable and might be dismissed as not being strong evidence.
|
| speculation |
Speculation refers to forming a theory or conjecture without firm evidence. It is often used in contexts where people make guesses or assumptions about future events.
|
Examples of usage
- There were rumours circulating on social media about the new product launch.
- The rumour about the celebrity's secret wedding spread quickly online.
in a small community
To spread information or a story that may not be true.
Synonyms
gossip, speculate, spread rumors.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| rumour |
Employ this word when discussing information that is not verified as true and is often spread informally, possibly modified as it is retold. It can be about serious or trivial matters, and it usually carries a negative connotation.
|
| gossip |
Use this word when talking about informal, often personal, information about people, typically shared in a casual or secretive manner. Gossip can be both true and false and generally has a negative connotation.
|
| spread rumors |
This expression is appropriate when describing the act of sharing unverified information with others. It often implies a deliberate action and usually has a negative connotation, as it can lead to misunderstandings or false beliefs.
|
| speculate |
Use this term when talking about forming theories or guesses based on limited information. Speculating can be about anything, from minor everyday events to important issues, and is typically neutral in tone.
|
Examples of usage
- She rumoured that he was leaving the town, but no one knew for sure.
- The group of friends rumoured about the upcoming party.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'rumorem', meaning noise or fame, which hints at how gossip travels.
- In Middle English, it appeared as 'rumour', reflecting a blend of spoken stories and societal chatter.
Psychology
- People are more likely to spread a rumour if itโs surprising or emotional, as those elements capture attention.
- Cognitive biases, like the confirmation bias, can cause individuals to accept rumours that align with their beliefs without checking the facts.
Pop Culture
- Rumours about celebrity relationships often arise and spread rapidly through social media platforms.
- Fictional stories, like those in movies or books, can sometimes be based on or generate their own popular rumours among fans.
Literature
- Many classic novels use rumour to develop plots or character relationships, such as in Shakespeareโs plays where misunderstandings create conflict.
- In contemporary literature, authors explore the consequences of spreading false information as a central theme.
History
- Rumours played significant roles in political revolutions, often swaying public opinion and mobilizing movements.
- Throughout history, figures like Napoleon and Julius Caesar were often subjects of grand rumours that influenced their legacies.
Translations
Translations of the word "rumour" in other languages:
๐ต๐น rumor
๐ฎ๐ณ เค เคซเคตเคพเคน
๐ฉ๐ช Gerรผcht
๐ฎ๐ฉ desas-desus
๐บ๐ฆ ัััะบะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ plotka
๐ฏ๐ต ๅ (ใใใ)
๐ซ๐ท rumeur
๐ช๐ธ rumor
๐น๐ท sรถylenti
๐ฐ๐ท ์๋ฌธ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุดุงุฆุนุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ povฤst
๐ธ๐ฐ povesลฅ
๐จ๐ณ ่ฐฃ่จ
๐ธ๐ฎ govorica
๐ฎ๐ธ orรฐrรณmur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ััะฑัั
๐ฌ๐ช แญแแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ ลayiษ
๐ฒ๐ฝ rumor