{
    "term": "say",
    "partOfSpeech": "verb",
    "ox3000": true,
    "cefr": "a1",
    "verbForms": {
        "presentSimple": {
            "iYouWeThey": "say",
            "heSheIt": "says"
        },
        "pastSimple": "said",
        "pastParticiple": "said",
        "ingForm": "saying"
    },
    "definitions": [
        {
            "senseNumber": 1,
            "definition": "to speak or tell somebody something, using words",
            "sensetop": "+ speechsay somethingsay something to somebodysay to somebody/yourself + speechsay (that)…it is said that…say what, how, etc…say to do somethingbe said to be/have something",
            "labels": "(formal)",
            "cefr": "a1",
            "ox3000": true,
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "‘Hello!’ she said.",
                    "contextForm": "+ speech"
                },
                {
                    "text": "‘That was marvellous,’ said Daniel."
                },
                {
                    "text": "A legendary football coach **once said**, ‘Winning is everything.’"
                },
                {
                    "text": "Be quiet, I have something to say.",
                    "contextForm": "say something"
                },
                {
                    "text": "Come and say hello."
                },
                {
                    "text": "Please say yes!"
                },
                {
                    "text": "I didn't believe a word she said."
                },
                {
                    "text": "That's a terrible **thing to say**."
                },
                {
                    "text": "She said nothing to me about it.",
                    "contextForm": "say something to somebody"
                },
                {
                    "text": "I **said to myself** *(= thought)*, ‘That can't be right!’",
                    "contextForm": "say to somebody/yourself + speech"
                },
                {
                    "text": "He said (that) his name was Sam.",
                    "contextForm": "say (that)…"
                },
                {
                    "text": "Can I **just say** I'm not happy about this?"
                },
                {
                    "text": "**I have to say** I was pleasantly surprised."
                },
                {
                    "text": "It is said that she lived to be over 100.",
                    "contextForm": "it is said that…"
                },
                {
                    "text": "She finds it hard to say what she feels.",
                    "contextForm": "say what, how, etc…"
                },
                {
                    "text": "‘That's impossible!’ ‘So you say *(= but I think you may be wrong)*.’"
                },
                {
                    "text": "‘Why can't I go out now?’ ‘Because I **say so**.’"
                },
                {
                    "text": "‘What do you want it for?’ ‘I'd rather not say.’"
                },
                {
                    "text": "He said to meet him here.",
                    "contextForm": "say to do something"
                },
                {
                    "text": "He is said to have been a brilliant scholar.",
                    "contextForm": "be said to be/have something"
                },
                {
                    "text": "‘I am home, ’ he said simply."
                },
                {
                    "text": "‘I don't know,’ she said crossly."
                },
                {
                    "text": "‘There's nothing wrong with him, ’ she said airily."
                },
                {
                    "text": "‘Well, at least we tried!’ he said with a shrug."
                },
                {
                    "text": "‘You'll see!’ Lianne said with a smile."
                },
                {
                    "text": "A government spokesman was quoted as saying that they would take steps to restore order."
                },
                {
                    "text": "Can you honestly say you're sorry?"
                },
                {
                    "text": "I dared not say a word about it to anyone."
                },
                {
                    "text": "I heard him say they were leaving tomorrow."
                },
                {
                    "text": "I've forgotten what I was going to say."
                }
            ],
            "collocations": {
                "adverb": ["aloud", "out loud", "loudly"],
                "verb + say": ["be about to", "be going to", "hasten to"],
                "preposition": ["about", "to"],
                "phrases": [
                    "be quoted as saying something",
                    "a thing to say",
                    "I have to say"
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": 2,
            "definition": "to repeat words, phrases, etc.",
            "sensetop": "say something",
            "cefr": "a1",
            "ox3000": true,
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "to say a prayer"
                },
                {
                    "text": "Try to say that line with more conviction."
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": 3,
            "definition": "to give particular information or instructions",
            "sensetop": "+ speechsay somethingsay (that)…say where, why, etc…say to do something",
            "cefr": "a2",
            "ox3000": true,
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "The notice said ‘Keep Out’.",
                    "contextForm": "+ speech"
                },
                {
                    "text": "The clock said three o'clock.",
                    "contextForm": "say something"
                },
                {
                    "text": "The instructions say (that) we should leave it to set for four hours.",
                    "contextForm": "say (that)…"
                },
                {
                    "text": "The book doesn't say where he was born.",
                    "contextForm": "say where, why, etc…"
                },
                {
                    "text": "The guidebook says to turn left.",
                    "contextForm": "say to do something"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": 4,
            "definition": "to express an opinion on something",
            "sensetop": "say somethingsay (that)…say what, how, etc…",
            "cefr": "b1",
            "ox3000": true,
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "**Say what you like** *(= although you disagree)* about her, she's a fine singer.",
                    "contextForm": "say something"
                },
                {
                    "text": "**I'll say this for them**, they're a very efficient company."
                },
                {
                    "text": "Anna thinks I'm lazy—**what do you say** *(= what is your opinion)*?"
                },
                {
                    "text": "**I can't say** I blame her for resigning *(= I think she was right)*.",
                    "contextForm": "say (that)…"
                },
                {
                    "text": "**I have to say** I enjoyed every minute."
                },
                {
                    "text": "**I say** *(= suggest)* we go without them."
                },
                {
                    "text": "**I wouldn't say** they were rich *(= in my opinion they are not rich)*."
                },
                {
                    "text": "**That's not to say** it's a bad movie *(= it is good but it is not without faults)*."
                },
                {
                    "text": "**It's hard to say** what caused the accident.",
                    "contextForm": "say what, how, etc…"
                },
                {
                    "text": "**It's difficult to say** whether the story is true."
                },
                {
                    "text": "‘When will it be finished?’ ‘**I couldn't say** *(= I don't know)*.’"
                },
                {
                    "text": "Is it worth it? I would say not."
                },
                {
                    "text": "Do you have anything to say about this?"
                },
                {
                    "text": "I wouldn't like to say what the impact might be on my business."
                },
                {
                    "text": "She wasn't at her best, it has to be said."
                },
                {
                    "text": "It's difficult to say exactly where it will land."
                },
                {
                    "text": "I hate to say it, but I think Stephen may be right."
                },
                {
                    "text": "I have to say I didn't expect it to be so good."
                },
                {
                    "text": "It is fair to say a considerable amount of effort went into the project."
                }
            ],
            "topics": ["Opinion and argument"],
            "collocations": {
                "adverb": ["aloud", "out loud", "loudly"],
                "verb + say": ["be about to", "be going to", "hasten to"],
                "preposition": ["about", "to"],
                "phrases": [
                    "be quoted as saying something",
                    "a thing to say",
                    "I have to say"
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": 5,
            "definition": "to make thoughts, feelings, etc. clear to somebody by using words, looks, movements, etc.",
            "sensetop": "say somethingsay something about somebody/something",
            "cefr": "b1",
            "ox3000": true,
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "His angry glance **said it all**.",
                    "contextForm": "say something"
                },
                {
                    "text": "Just what is the artist trying to say in her work?"
                },
                {
                    "text": "The museum's architects have managed to say something about our national story.",
                    "contextForm": "say something about somebody/something"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": 6,
            "definition": "to show, sometimes indirectly, what somebody/something is like",
            "sensetop": "say somethingsay something about somebody/somethingsay something to somebody",
            "cefr": "b1",
            "ox3000": true,
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "That **says it all** really, doesn't it? *(= it shows clearly what is true)*",
                    "contextForm": "say something"
                },
                {
                    "text": "The incident says an awful lot about his character.",
                    "contextForm": "say something about somebody/something"
                },
                {
                    "text": "This says to me that there is more here than you are letting on.",
                    "contextForm": "say something to somebody"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": 7,
            "definition": "to suggest or give something as an example or a possibility",
            "sensetop": "say something/somebodysay (that)…",
            "cefr": "b2",
            "ox3000": true,
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "You could learn the basics in, **let's say**, three months.",
                    "contextForm": "say something/somebody"
                },
                {
                    "text": "Let’s take any writer, say *(= for example)* Dickens…"
                },
                {
                    "text": "Say you lose your job: what would you do then?",
                    "contextForm": "say (that)…"
                },
                {
                    "text": "Just say he refuses to talk to you."
                }
            ],
            "topics": ["Suggestions and advice"]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "to be much more difficult to do than to talk about",
            "labels": "(saying)",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "‘Why don't you get yourself a job?’ ‘That's easier said than done.’"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "very quickly; in a very short time",
            "labels": "(old-fashioned)",
            "examples": []
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used to say that you understand a situation and there is no need to say any more",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "‘He's a politician, remember.’ ‘Enough said.’"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "to be very obvious or easy to predict",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "Of course I'll help you. **That goes without saying**."
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "to be ready, unwilling, etc. to talk or give your views on something",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "She doesn't have much to say for herself *(= doesn't take part in conversation)*."
                },
                {
                    "text": "He had plenty to say for himself *(= he had a lot of opinions and was willing to talk)*."
                },
                {
                    "text": "Late again—what have you got to say for yourself *(= what is your excuse)*?"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "to be angry",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "He knew that if he wasn't back by midnight, his parents would have something to say about it."
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used to introduce an opinion that makes what you have just said seem less strong",
            "labels": "(informal)",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "I sometimes get worried in this job. Having said that, I enjoy doing it, it's a challenge."
                }
            ],
            "topics": ["Opinion and argument"]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used when you are saying that something is likely",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "I dare say you know about it already."
                }
            ],
            "topics": ["Doubt, guessing and certainty"]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used when you are going to criticize somebody or say something that might upset them",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "That colour doesn't really suit you, if you don't mind my saying so."
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used to tell somebody that you have listened to their opinion, especially when you are going to express a different opinion",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "I hear what you're saying, but you're wrong."
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used for emphasis to say ‘yes’",
            "labels": "(old-fashioned, informal)",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "‘Does she see him often?’ ‘I'll say! Nearly every day.’"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used when you are commenting on a situation and saying that you are happy about it",
            "labels": "(informal)",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "Most teachers, I'm glad to say, take their jobs very seriously."
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used for saying that something is disappointing",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "He didn't accept the job, I'm sorry to say."
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used to emphasize an opinion",
            "labels": "(informal)",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "Well, I must say, that's the funniest thing I've heard all week."
                }
            ],
            "topics": ["Opinion and argument"]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": 1,
            "definition": "used to express surprise, shock, etc.",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "I say! What a huge cake!"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": 2,
            "definition": "used to attract somebody’s attention or introduce a new subject of conversation",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "I say, can you lend me five pounds?"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "it shows a good/bad quality that somebody/something has",
            "labels": "(informal)",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "It says a lot for her that she never lost her temper."
                },
                {
                    "text": "It didn't say much for their efficiency that the order arrived a week late."
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used to say that you would like something or to accept something that is offered",
            "labels": "(informal)",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "I wouldn't say no to a pizza."
                },
                {
                    "text": "‘Tea, Brian?’ ‘I wouldn't say no.’"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "a bad situation will pass or be forgotten most quickly if nothing more is said about it",
            "labels": "(British English, saying)",
            "examples": []
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "the best thing to do is say as little as possible about something",
            "examples": []
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used when commenting on a situation to suggest that you could say something more or worse but prefer not to",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "Let's just say he wasn't very happy about the decision *(= he was very unhappy or angry about it)*."
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used when making a suggestion or giving an example",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "I can let you have it for, well let's say £100."
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used to emphasize what you are saying or to ask somebody if they really mean what they say",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "I mean to say, you should have known how he would react!"
                },
                {
                    "text": "Do you mean to say you've lost it?"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used to emphasize that the information you are giving is obvious",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "The problem, needless to say, is the cost involved."
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "do not stop hoping",
            "labels": "(saying)",
            "examples": []
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used to say that something was, or will be, done immediately",
            "examples": []
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "to never say anything good about somebody/something",
            "labels": "(informal)",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "Nobody had a good word to say about him."
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "to be very shy or gentle",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "He's so nervous he wouldn't say boo to a goose."
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used to introduce a stronger way of describing something",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "a difficult, not to say impossible, task"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used to ask somebody to smile before you take their photograph",
            "examples": []
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "to say something important",
            "labels": "(North American English, informal)",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "You said a mouthful there, buddy."
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "to refuse an offer, a suggestion, etc.",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "If you don't invest in this, you're saying no to a potential fortune."
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used to say that you understand exactly what somebody means or is trying to say, so it is unnecessary to say anything more",
            "labels": "(informal)",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "‘They went to Paris together.’ ‘Say no more!’"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "to say exactly what you feel or think",
            "examples": []
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used to express surprise at what somebody has just said",
            "labels": "(North American English, informal)",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "‘He's getting married.’ ‘Say what?’"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used to ask somebody to tell you when you should stop pouring a drink or serving food for them because they have enough",
            "examples": []
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "to give an order; to make a request",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "Just say the word, and I'll go."
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used to suggest that although you could say more, what you do say will be enough to explain what you mean",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "I won’t go into all the details. Suffice it to say that the whole event was a complete disaster."
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "in other words",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "three days from now, that is to say on Friday"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used to introduce an opinion that makes what you have just said seem less strong",
            "examples": [],
            "topics": ["Opinion and argument"]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used to say that something is not very unusual or special",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "She's a better player than me, but that's not saying much *(= because I am a very bad player)*."
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used to say that it is impossible to predict what might happen",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "There's no saying how he'll react."
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "there are/are not good reasons for doing something, believing something or agreeing with something",
            "examples": [],
            "topics": ["Opinion and argument"]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "without making something seem better, worse, more serious, etc. than it really is",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "I was surprised, to say the least."
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used to introduce a further fact or thing in addition to those already mentioned",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "It was too expensive, to say nothing of the time it wasted."
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "I agree completely",
            "labels": "(informal)",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "‘We must stand up for ourselves.’ ‘Well said, John.’"
                }
            ],
            "topics": ["Opinion and argument"]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "would you like something/to do something?",
            "labels": "(informal)",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "What would you say to eating out tonight?"
                },
                {
                    "text": "Let's go away for a weekend. What do you say?"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used to agree to somebody’s suggestion because you do not want to argue",
            "labels": "(informal)",
            "examples": [],
            "topics": ["Opinion and argument", "Suggestions and advice"]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "a particular person must be obeyed",
            "labels": "(informal, often humorous)",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "Sarah wanted the kitchen painted green, and what she says, goes."
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "when everything is considered",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "I know you're upset, but when all's said and done it isn't exactly a disaster."
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used to say that nobody knows the answer to a question",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "Who can say what will happen next year?"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used to disagree with a statement or an opinion",
            "labels": "(informal)",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "Who says I can't do it?"
                }
            ],
            "topics": ["Opinion and argument"]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used to say that something might happen or might have happened in a particular way, because nobody really knows",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "Who's to say we would not have succeeded if we'd had more time?"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "I agree with you completely",
            "labels": "(informal)",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "‘He's in a bad mood today.’ ‘You can say that again!’"
                }
            ],
            "topics": ["Opinion and argument"]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used to say that you think the offer you are making is reasonable or generous",
            "labels": "(British English, informal)",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "Look, I'll give you £100 for it. You can't say fairer than that."
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": null,
            "definition": "used to express surprise",
            "labels": "(informal, often ironic)",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "‘They left without us.’ ‘You don't say!’ *(= I'm not surprised)*"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": 1,
            "definition": "used to agree with somebody when they say something about themselves that you would not have been rude enough to say yourself",
            "labels": "(British English)",
            "cefr": "c2",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "‘I know I'm not the world's greatest cook.’ ‘You said it!’"
                }
            ],
            "topics": ["Opinion and argument"]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": 2,
            "definition": "used to agree with somebody’s suggestion",
            "labels": "(North American English)",
            "cefr": "c2",
            "examples": [],
            "topics": ["Opinion and argument", "Suggestions and advice"]
        }
    ],
    "pronunciations": {
        "uk": [
            {
                "pronunciation": "/seɪ/",
                "audio": "sa/say/say__gb_1.mp3"
            },
            {
                "pronunciation": "/sez/",
                "audio": "sa/say/says__gb_1.mp3"
            },
            {
                "pronunciation": "/sed/",
                "audio": "sa/say/said__gb_1.mp3"
            },
            {
                "pronunciation": "/ˈseɪɪŋ/",
                "audio": "sa/say/saying__gb_2.mp3"
            }
        ],
        "us": [
            {
                "pronunciation": "/seɪ/",
                "audio": "sa/say/say__us_1.mp3"
            },
            {
                "pronunciation": "/sez/",
                "audio": "sa/say/says__us_1.mp3"
            },
            {
                "pronunciation": "/sed/",
                "audio": "sa/say/said__us_1.mp3"
            },
            {
                "pronunciation": "/ˈseɪɪŋ/",
                "audio": "sa/say/saying__us_2.mp3"
            }
        ]
    },
    "wordOrigin": "Old English secgan, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch zeggen and German sagen."
}