Hearsay (Noun)
Meaning
Gossip (usually a mixture of truth and untruth) passed around by word of mouth.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The rumor about the company's financial troubles was nothing more than hearsay and was likely exaggerated for dramatic effect.
- She avoided spreading hearsay about her coworkers, preferring to stick to verified facts.
- Much of the information about the celebrity's personal life was hearsay, and it was impossible to separate fact from fiction.
- The teacher warned her students against repeating hearsay, reminding them to always verify information through reputable sources.
- The small town was notorious for spreading hearsay, with rumors and half-truths circulating quickly through the grapevine.