say
Translation
to say, to state, to speak, to indicate
Examples
What did you say?
What did you say?
He said that he was tired.
He said that he was tired.
The clock says it's ten o'clock.
The clock says it's ten o'clock.
Let's say you win the lottery.
Let's say you win the lottery.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to utter or speak (sth.) Please say your name clearly.
((that ...)) to state that... She said that she was happy.
((to sb.)) to speak to (sb.) What did you say to her?
Similar Words
Synonyms: tell, speak, state, utter; Antonyms: be silent
Etymology
From Old English 'secgan', meaning 'to utter, speak'.
Memory Tips
'Say' focuses on the words spoken. 'Tell' often needs an indirect object (e.g., 'tell me something').