hearsay
C1Formal, Legal
Definition
Meaning
Information received from others that one cannot adequately substantiate; rumor.
In law, it refers to evidence given by a witness based on what someone else has said, rather than on their own direct knowledge, and which is therefore often not admissible as evidence.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Strongly implies secondhand, unverified information. In legal contexts, it is a specific technical term.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The meaning and usage are identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Universally negative, suggesting unreliability. Slightly more common in legal/formal contexts in the US.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties, with high frequency in legal contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
That's just hearsay.The case relied on hearsay.I won't act on hearsay.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Hearsay evidence is inadmissible.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to dismiss unreliable market rumours. 'The takeover bid is just hearsay until we see a formal offer.'
Academic
Used in legal studies, history (critiquing sources), and social sciences. 'The historian cautioned against relying on hearsay in the chronicles.'
Everyday
Used to indicate information is unverified. 'I don't believe it—it's all hearsay from the neighbours.'
Technical
A precise term in law. 'The objection was sustained as the testimony was hearsay.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A (hearsay is not used as a verb)
American English
- N/A (hearsay is not used as a verb)
adverb
British English
- N/A (hearsay is not used as an adverb)
American English
- N/A (hearsay is not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- The judge dismissed the hearsay evidence.
- They were tired of hearsay allegations in the press.
American English
- The attorney objected on hearsay grounds.
- We cannot make policy based on hearsay reports.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I heard it from a friend, so it might be hearsay.
- The newspaper story was just hearsay and had no real facts.
- The lawyer argued that the witness's statement was inadmissible hearsay.
- The committee refused to act on the basis of mere hearsay, demanding concrete evidence.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
You HEAR someone SAY something, but you didn't see it yourself.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMATION IS AN OBJECT (that can be passed from hand to hand, becoming less reliable with each transfer).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводите дословно как "слышать + говорить". Лучший перевод — "слухи", "молва" или, в юридическом контексте, "свидетельские показания с чужих слов".
Common Mistakes
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'a hearsay story' is awkward; prefer 'a story based on hearsay').
- Confusing it with 'heresy' (a completely different word).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'hearsay' a highly specific, technical term?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it inherently carries a negative connotation of being unreliable, unverified, or based on gossip rather than fact.
No, 'hearsay' is exclusively a noun. The related concept of passing on unverified information is expressed with verbs like 'rumour', 'gossip', or 'say'.
'Hearsay' is slightly more formal and often used in legal or official contexts to dismiss information. 'Rumour' is more general and common in everyday language. They are often synonymous.
Because it is not based on the witness's own direct knowledge, making it difficult to cross-examine the original source for truthfulness and accuracy, which are core principles of a fair trial.
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