From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishsaysay1 /seɪ/ ●●● S1 W1 verb (past tense and past participle said /sed/, third person singular says /sez/) 1 express something in words [intransitive only in negatives, transitive]SAY to express an idea, feeling, thought etc using words ‘I’m so tired, ’ she said. ‘Don’t cry, ’ he said softly. Don’t believe anything he says.say (that) A spokesman said that the company had improved its safety standards. I always said I would buy a motorbike when I had enough money.say how/why/who etc Did she say what happened? I would like to say how much we appreciate your hard work. ‘Why did she leave?’ ‘I don’t know – she didn’t say.’say something to somebody What did you say to her? ‘This is strange, ’ he said to himself.a terrible/silly/strange etc thing to say What a silly thing to say!say hello/goodbye/thank you etc (=say something to greet someone, thank someone etc) She left without saying goodbye.say you’re sorry (=apologize) I’ve said I’m sorry – what more do you want?say yes/no (to something) (=agree or refuse) Can I go, Mum? Oh, please say yes!say nothing/anything/something (about something) He looked as if he was going to say something. I wished I had said nothing about Jordi.have anything/nothing/something to say Does anyone else have anything to say? Although he didn’t say so, it was clear that he was in pain. What makes you say that (=why do you think that)?say to do something (=tell someone to do something) Nina said to meet her at 4.30. I’d like to say a few words (=make a short speech). ‘So what are your plans now?’ ‘I’d rather not say.’ → see Thesaurus box on 000000RegisterIn written English, people often avoid using say when referring to opinions or ideas expressed by another writer. Instead, they prefer to use a more formal verb such as argue, assert, claim, or maintain. 2 give information [transitive]SAY/STATE to give information in the form of written words, numbers, or pictures – used about signs, clocks, letters, messages etc The sign said ‘Back in 10 minutes.’ The clock said twenty past three.say (that) He received a letter saying that the appointment had been cancelled.say to do something (=give information about what you should do) The label says to take one tablet before meals.say who/what/how etc The card doesn’t even say who sent the flowers. It says here they have live music.3 mean [transitive] used to talk about what someone means What do you think the writer is trying to say in this passage? So what you’re saying is, there’s none left.be saying (that) Are you saying I’m fat? I’m not saying it’s a bad idea. All I’m saying is that it might be better to wait a while.Grammar Say is usually used in the progressive in this meaning.4 think that something is true [transitive]EXPRESSused to talk about something that people think is truethey say/people say/ it is said (that) They say that she has been all over the world. It is said that he was a spy during the war.somebody is said to be something/do something He’s said to be the richest man in the world. Well, you know what they say – blood’s thicker than water. The rest, as they say, is history.5 show/be a sign of something [transitive] a) SHOW/BE A SIGN OFto show clearly that something is true about someone or something’s character The kind of car you drive says what kind of person you are. The fact that she never apologized says a lot about (=shows very clearly) what kind of person she is. It said a lot for the manager (=it showed that he is good) that the team remained confident despite losing. These results don’t say much for the quality of teaching (=they show that it is not very good). b) to show what someone is really feeling or thinking, especially without using words The look on her face said ‘I love you.’something says everything/says it all His expression said it all.6 speak the words of something [transitive]PRAY to speak the words that are written in a play, poem, or prayer Can you say that line again, this time with more feeling? I’ll say a prayer for you. 7 pronounce [transitive]SAY to pronounce a word or sound How do you say your last name?8 suggest/suppose something [transitive]SUGGEST used when suggesting or supposing that something might happen or be true... say ... If we put out, say, twenty chairs, would that be enough?let’s say (that)/just say (that) Let’s say your plan fails, then what? Just say you won the lottery – what would you do?Grammar Say is usually used in the imperative or with let’s in this meaning.9 → say to yourselfSPOKEN PHRASES10 → I must say11 → I can’t say (that)12 → I would say13 → I couldn’t say14 → if I may say so15 → having said that16 → wouldn’t you say?17 → what do you say?18 → say no more19 → you can say that again!20 → you said it!21 → who says?22 → who can say?23 → you don’t say!24 → say when25 → say cheese26 → (just) say the word27 → I’ll say this/that (much) for somebody28 → say what you like29 → anything/whatever you say30 → can’t say fairer than that31 → I wouldn’t say no (to something)32 → I’ll say!33 → let’s just say34 → shall I/we say35 → what have you got to say for yourself?36 → say what?37 → I say38 → say something to somebody’s face39 → that’s not saying much40 → to say the least41 → that is to say42 → that is not to say43 → not to say44 → a lot/something/not much etc to be said for (doing) something45 → to say nothing of something46 → have something to say about something47 → have a lot to say for yourself48 → not have much to say for yourself49 → what somebody says goes50 → say your piece → wouldn’t say boo to a goose at boo2(3), → easier said than done at easy2(4), → enough said at enough2(6), → it goes without saying at go without, → needless to say at needless(1), → no sooner said than done at soon(9), → not say/breathe a word at word1(10), → well said at well1(13), → when all’s said and done at all1(17)COLLOCATIONSthings that you saysay hello/goodbyeI came to say goodbye.say thank youI just wanted to say thank you for being there.say sorry/say that you’re sorryIt was probably too late to say sorry.say yes/noSome parents are unable to say no to their children.say something/anything/nothingI was about to say something to him when he looked up and smiled.say some wordsShe stopped abruptly, suddenly afraid to say the words aloud.adverbssay soIf you don’t know the answer, don’t be afraid to say so.phrasesa terrible/stupid/odd etc thing to sayI know it’s a terrible thing to say, but I wish he’d just go away.have something/anything/nothing to sayHe usually has something to say about just about everything. THESAURUSto say somethingsay to tell someone something, using words‘I really ought to go, ’ she said.Lauren said she’d probably be late.state to say something, especially in a definite or formal way – used in official contextsThe witness stated that he had never seen the woman before.Please state your name and address.announce to publicly tell people about somethingThe chairman announced his resignation.The results will be announced tomorrow.We will announce the winners next Sunday. They were announcing the train times over the loudspeaker system.declare to say something very firmly‘My personal life is none of your business, ’ she declared.mention to talk about someone or something, especially without giving many detailsDid Tom mention anything about what happened at school?Your name was mentioned!express to let someone know your feelings by putting them into wordsYoung children often find it difficult to express their emotions.comment to say what your opinion is about someone or somethingThe prime minister was asked to comment on the crisis.note/remark formal to say that you have noticed that something is true – used especially in formal writingWe have already noted that most old people live alone.Someone once remarked that the problem with computers is that they only give you answers.add to say something more, after what has already been saidHe added that he thought it could be done fairly cheaply.point out to mention something that seems particularly important or relevantDr Graham points out that most children show some signs of abnormal behaviour. It’s worth pointing out that few people actually die of this disease.air to talk about your opinions, worries, or the things you disagree about: air your views/grievances/differencesThe programme will give listeners the chance to air their views about immigration.Workers were able to air their grievances.voice to talk publicly about your feelings or about whether you approve or disapprove of something formal: voice concern/support/doubt/fears etcThe president has already voiced his support for the proposal.She voiced concern for the safety of the hostages.different ways of saying somethingwhisper to say something very quietly, using your breath rather than your full voice‘Don’t wake the baby, ’ Jenny whispered.mumble to say something quietly without pronouncing the words clearlyHe mumbled his thanks.mutter to say something quietly, especially when you are annoyed but do not want someone to hear you complaining‘This is ridiculous, ’ he muttered under his breath.She muttered something about having to go home early. murmur to say something in a soft slow gentle voiceShe stroked his hair and murmured, ‘Don’t worry. You’ll be all right.’growl to say something in a low angry voice‘As I was saying, ’ Lewis growled, ‘it needs to be finished today.’snarl to say something in a nasty angry way‘Get out of my way!’ he snarled.exclaim to say something suddenly and loudly‘How beautiful!’ she exclaimed.blurt out to suddenly say something without thinking, especially something embarrassing or secretIt was partly nervousness that had made him blurt out the question.stammer/stutter to speak with a lot of pauses and repeated sounds, because you have a speech problem, or because you are nervous or excited‘I’ll, I’ll only be a m-moment, ’ he stammered. GRAMMAR: Comparisonsay• You say something to someone: The principal said a few words to us. ✗Don’t say: say someone something• You use say with speech marks (‘...’) when quoting the exact words that someone used: ‘I’m sorry I’m late, ’ she said.Joe said: ‘I’ll be back soon.’• You use say (that) when reporting what someone said: She said that she was sorry she was late.Joe said he would be back soon. After said, the verb in the other clause is usually also in the past tense.tell• You tell someone something: Diane told me the news.He told us a long story. ✗Don’t say: tell something to someone• You tell someone about something that has happened: She told me about the accident. ✗Don’t say: He told about the accident.• You use tell someone (that) when reporting what someone said: I told them that I was sorry.The teacher told me I could go home. After told, the verb in the other clause is usually also in the past tense. ✗Don’t say: He told that he was sorry.→ See Verb table
Examples from the Corpus
say• I couldn't think of anything to say.• "I must be going, " she said.• "Is Joyce coming over later?" "She didn't say."• "Where's Pam going?" "I don't know. She didn't say."• Say a student came to you with a problem. You'd try to help them, right?• "I'm in love, " said Dennis.• Lauren came over to say goodbye to us.• Although we must have done about 100 miles, the petrol gauge still said half-full.• It says here that the police are closing in on the killer.• Did they say how long the operation would take?• It says in today's paper that gas prices are going up again.• One look said it all -- Richard knew that Sally wouldn't marry him.• So what you're saying, Mr President, is that you don't have a policy on this issue.• Most modern art doesn't say much to me.• Julie's clothes and her whole attitude just said "New York".• I asked Dad if he'd lend me some money, but he said no.• If there's anything you're not happy about, please say so.• Did Peter say that he would be late?• James wrote to the bank and said we needed a loan.• How do you say your last name?I’d rather not say• "What were you doing at the time of the accident?" "I'd rather not say."say who/what/how etc• It was hard to say what kind of a difference the class had made.• Near-spent batteries are good, but it doesn't say how long they will remain so!• He said how much his parents were looking forward to meeting Liza, especially as they had always wanted a daughter.• In a letter, Benckiser declined to say how much more it would offer for Maybelline.• But since none of us can be completely objective we have a responsibility to say what our biases are.• The vic-tims started to see strangers everywhere, indifferent people who came and went and never said who they were.• You may even wish to say what things of interest may be seen along that route.• Will my right hon. and learned Friend say how we compared internationally in the 1970s and the 1980s?All I’m saying is• All I'm saying is that it would be better to do this first.somebody is said to be something/do something• A certain number of members must be present before a meeting is said to be quorate and can proceed.• In the meanwhile, he is said to be hurt and shocked by the hostility of the reaction to the strategy proposals.• Lower marginal rates would also improve work incentives and shrink the black economy, which is said to be booming.• She is said to be bricked up in her room, spinning her hand loom for all eternity.• Suppose a scene is said to be in correct perspective?• The system is said to be the most advanced in the world, and has already led to several arrests.• The total damage done is said to be millions and millions.• This is said to be a future three star route.says a lot about• H passes, it says a lot about communities that have become active behind it.• Their selection says a lot about the administration in which they have been asked to serve.• That says a lot about the curse hanging over the country.• This says a lot about the state of computing today.• That says a lot about their attitude to the problem.• But I think that says a lot about this team.• Whatever your uniform, it says a lot about your personal style.say a prayer for• He planted a dead vine branch, then said a prayer for an early harvest.How do you say• Nobody rewrote the guidelines accordingly. How do you say good night?saysay2 ●●○ noun [singular, uncountable] 1 RIGHT/HAVE THE RIGHT TOthe right to take part in deciding somethinghave some/no/little say in something The workers had no say in how the factory was run. The chairman has the final say (=has the right to make the final decision about something).2 → have your sayExamples from the Corpus
say• The public hospitals are managed by the states, and the federal government has very little direct say in them.• Huckelberry makes a final recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, which has the final say.• Probably the best thing about his show was that he let people have their say.has the final say• The skipper is legally responsible for your safety and has the final say over where you go.• The state Board of Education -- Florida's governor and Cabinet -- has the final say.• Under the constitution, the supreme leader, appointed by conservative clerics, has the final say in matters of state.• When siting the pumps, he explains, the community has the final say.• You can do all the planning you like, but in the end the Old Course has the final say.• They are said to be his own work, although the truth is that he probably has the final say.• Huckelberry makes a final recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, which has the final say.saysay3 interjection American English informal ATTENTIONused to express surprise, or to get someone’s attention so that you can tell them something Say, haven’t I seen you before somewhere?Examples from the Corpus
say• Say, Mike, how about a beer after work?• Say, my lights don't work.Origin say1 Old English secgan 