Main Entry: ¹say

Pronunciation: \ˈsā, Southern also ˈse\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): said \ˈsed, especially when subject follows səd\; say·ing \ˈsā-iŋ\; says \ˈsez, sometimes ˈsāz, especially when subject follows səz\

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English secgan; akin to Old High German sagēn to say, Lithuanian sakyti, Greek ennepein to speak, tell

Date: before 12th century

transitive verb 1 a : to express in words : state b : to state as opinion or belief : declare
2 a : utter, pronounce b : recite, repeat <say your prayers>
3 a : indicate, show <the clock says five minutes after twelve> b : to give expression to : communicate <a glance that said all that was necessary>
4 : suppose, assume <let's say you're right>intransitive verb : to express oneself : speak

— say·er \ˈsā-ər, ˈser\ noun

— say uncle : to admit defeat

— that is to say : in other words : in effect

— to say nothing of : not to mention : and notably in addition <will need more time, to say nothing of money>