rumour
B2Neutral, used in both informal and formal contexts, though often with caution as the word implies a lack of verification.
Definition
Meaning
A currently circulating, unverified story or report of uncertain truth, often concerning a person or event.
General talk or hearsay not based on definite knowledge; a widely disseminated piece of unconfirmed information.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Carries a strong implication that the information may be false or exaggerated. Often used in phrases like 'rumour has it' to introduce hearsay while distancing the speaker from its veracity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The primary difference is spelling: 'rumour' (UK) vs. 'rumor' (US). The word is also more frequently used as a verb in American English.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties: suspicion, gossip, unverified information.
Frequency
The word itself is of similar frequency. The phrase 'rumour mill' is slightly more common in UK English, while 'rumor has it' is equally common.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
There is a rumour that + clauseRumour has it that + clauseto be rumoured to + infinitiveVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Rumour mill”
- “Rumour has it...”
- “Stop a rumour in its tracks”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Often relates to potential mergers, layoffs, or executive changes before official announcements, e.g., 'Rumours of a takeover bid affected the share price.'
Academic
Used in historical or sociological contexts to discuss the spread of information, e.g., 'The study analysed how rumours propagate in crisis situations.'
Everyday
Common in conversations about celebrities, local events, or workplace gossip, e.g., 'I heard a rumour they're moving abroad.'
Technical
In communications or network theory, 'rumour spreading' can be a model for information diffusion.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was rumoured to be considering a cabinet position.
- It is widely rumoured that the store will close.
American English
- She's rumored to be dating a famous actor.
- They rumored that the project was over budget.
adverb
British English
- (Rare. Typically 'rumouredly') The document was rumouredly leaked by an insider.
American English
- (Rare. Typically 'reportedly') The CEO is reportedly, or rumoredly, stepping down.
adjective
British English
- The rumoured merger caused anxiety among staff.
- We moved to the rumoured location of the event.
American English
- The rumored layoffs never happened.
- He visited the rumored hideout.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I heard a rumour. Is it true?
- Don't listen to bad rumours.
- There's a rumour that our teacher is leaving.
- He spread a false rumour about his classmate.
- Despite persistent rumours of financial trouble, the company posted strong profits.
- Rumour has it they're planning a surprise party for her.
- The minister was forced to resign after a damaging rumour, later proven false, was circulated in the press.
- Sociologists study how rumours can shape public perception in the absence of authoritative information.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
RUMOUR: Unverified Reports Moving Our Understanding Wrongly. It sounds like 'roomer' – imagine an unverified story spreading from room to room.
Conceptual Metaphor
RUMOUR IS A DISEASE/PLAGUE (spreads, contagious, rampant), RUMOUR IS A COMMODITY (circulates, trades in rumours), RUMOUR IS A FIRE (fuels, sparks, inflames).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'sluha' (слух) which can mean 'hearing' (the sense) or 'rumour'. Context is key.
- The verb 'rumoured' is often best translated with constructions like 'говорят, что...' or 'ходят слухи'.
- Avoid direct calques like 'There goes a rumour...'. Use 'A rumour is going around...' or 'Rumour has it...'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect spelling based on variety (using 'rumor' in UK text).
- Using with a definite article incorrectly: 'I heard the rumour you are leaving.' (Correct: '...a rumour...' unless specifying a particular one).
- Confusing 'rumour' (noun) with 'rumoured' (adjective/verb).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'rumour' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While overlapping, 'gossip' is often lighter, more personal, and about people's private lives, and can be a repeated activity. 'Rumour' is a specific piece of unverified information, often about events or situations, and carries a stronger connotation of potential falsity.
It is not inherently negative, but it is rarely positive. It implies a lack of evidence and often carries a warning. Calling something a 'rumour' casts doubt on its truthfulness.
Yes, but primarily in passive constructions (e.g., 'He is rumoured to be rich') or reporting contexts. Its use as an active verb ('They rumoured that...') is less common and slightly formal.
Associate the extra 'u' in 'rumour' with the 'u' in 'United Kingdom'. Both British English and 'rumour' have a 'u' that American English and 'rumor' lack.