word-vault

{ "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." }