Words / C1

HEERS-ay/ˈhɪəseɪ/

Hearsay is information heard from others, not known at first hand, and not admissible as proof: corridor hearsay, dismissed as hearsay. Rumour is everyday; a lobby story is not a minute.

Meaning

Information heard from others, not known at first hand; not admissible as proof.

Examples

• “Corridor hearsay is not a minute; write the spare’s name.”
• “Rumour is everyday. Gossip is ruder. A story is talk. A timestamp on paper is the rule. Write the name; then repeat the story if the incident file still needs a limitations note.”

Good to know

Second-hand talk, not proof. Everyday: rumour. A lobby story ≠ a minute.

Near in meaning

rumour, gossip, second-hand report

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