Rumour: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

• There is a rumour that the company might be laying off employees next month

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.

• She loves to gossip about her neighbors' lives

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.

• His argument was dismissed because it was based on hearsay rather than solid evidence

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.

• There is a lot of speculation about who will be promoted to the new position

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.

• There is a rumour going around that the company is going to close
• / I heard a rumour about their break-up

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.

• She loves to gossip about her coworkers
• / Gossip travels fast in small towns

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.

• It's irresponsible to spread rumors about someone's personal life
• / Spreading rumors can damage a person's reputation

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.

• The media often speculates about celebrities' personal lives
• / We can only speculate about the reasons behind his sudden resignation