saying Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
   expression; locution.
   
   • pardon the expression
2. verb express in words
   state; say; tell.
   
   • He said that he wanted to marry her
   • tell me what is bothering you
   • state your opinion
   • state your name
3. verb report or maintain
   aver; say; allege.
   
   • He alleged that he was the victim of a crime
   • He said it was too late to intervene in the war
   • The registrar says that I owe the school money
4. verb express a supposition
   say; suppose.
   
   • Let us say that he did not tell the truth
   • Let's say you had a lot of money--what would you do?
5. verb have or contain a certain wording or form
   read; say.
   
   • The passage reads as follows
   • What does the law say?
6. verb give instructions to or direct somebody to do something with authority
   say; enjoin; order; tell.
   
   • I said to him to go home
   • She ordered him to do the shopping
   • The mother told the child to get dressed
7. verb speak, pronounce, or utter in a certain way
   sound out; pronounce; enunciate; articulate; say; enounce.
   
   • She pronounces French words in a funny way
   • I cannot say `zip wire'
   • Can the child sound out this complicated word?
8. verb communicate or express nonverbally
   say.
   
   • What does this painting say?
   • Did his face say anything about how he felt?
9. verb utter aloud
   say.
   
   • She said `Hello' to everyone in the office
10. verb state as one's opinion or judgement; declare
    say.
    
    • I say let's forget this whole business
11. verb recite or repeat a fixed text
    say.
    
    • Say grace
    • She said her `Hail Mary'
12. verb indicate
    say.
    
    • The clock says noon

WordNet