say
Translation
say, state, tell, express
Examples
She said, 'Hello'.
She said, 'Hello.'
He said that he was tired.
He said that he was tired.
What did you say to him?
What did you say to him?
The clock says it's ten o'clock.
The clock says it's ten o'clock.
Grammar Patterns
(("... ")) to say "..." She said, "I'm happy."
((that ...)) to say that ... He said that he was leaving.
((sth.)) 〈to sb.〉 to say something to somebody Say hello to your parents for me.
Similar Words
Synonyms: tell, speak, state, utter; Antonyms: be silent
Etymology
From Old English 'secgan', meaning 'to speak, to say'.
Memory Tips
Remember that 'say' focuses on the words spoken, while 'tell' often focuses on the person being spoken to (e.g., 'say something' vs. 'tell someone').