Another Word For Hearsay

Meaning

Hearsay refers to information that is received from other people rather than being directly witnessed or experienced. It is often considered unreliable because it is essentially secondhand information. In legal contexts, hearsay is a statement made outside of the court that is used as evidence, but it is generally inadmissible due to questions about its reliability.

Synonyms

• Rumor
• Gossip
• Report
• Transmission
• Scuttlebutt

Antonyms

• Evidence
• Fact
• Truth
• Witness testimony
• Direct knowledge

Etymology

The term "hearsay" originated from the combination of "hear" and "say," indicating that the information is heard from someone else instead of directly knowing it. It traces back to Middle English, with its roots in the Old English words for "to hear" and "to declare."

Examples of Use

1. The witness’s testimony was dismissed as hearsay, as it was based on what someone else had told them.
2. In many cases, rumors can spread like hearsay, leading to misunderstandings and misinformation.
3. The lawyer argued that the evidence presented was merely hearsay and should not be considered in the case.
4. It's best to verify claims rather than rely on hearsay, as it can often lead to false conclusions.