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hearsay

noun

/ˈhɪəseɪ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of hearsay

Information that is not based on personal knowledge or firsthand experience but is rather passed along from another person.
"The testimony was hearsay and not admissible as evidence in court."

Detailed meaning of hearsay

Hearsay can take many forms, including rumors, gossip, and secondhand accounts of events or conversations. In legal contexts, hearsay refers specifically to testimony or evidence that is offered by a witness who did not personally observe the events in question but heard about them from someone else. Hearsay is generally considered to be less reliable than firsthand evidence, as it is subject to the biases and inaccuracies of the person who originally reported it. As such, it is often excluded from legal proceedings, except in certain circumstances where it is deemed to be trustworthy and relevant. Outside of legal contexts, hearsay can also be a source of misinformation or misunderstanding, as it may be distorted or incomplete by the time it reaches the listener.

Example sentences containing hearsay

1. Hearsay should not be the basis for making important decisions.
2. The rumor mill is fueled by hearsay and gossip.
3. We need concrete evidence, not just hearsay, to prove the accusation.
4. The witness's testimony was filled with hearsay and speculation.
5. Hearsay is not admissible in a court of law.
6. Journalists should verify information rather than relying on hearsay.

History and etymology of hearsay

The term 'hearsay' has its roots in Old English, specifically from the words 'hēr' and 'secgan.' The word 'hēr' means 'hear,' and 'secgan' means 'to say' or 'to speak.' When combined, they formed the Old English word 'hērsecgan,' which referred to information or statements that were transmitted orally, often through hearing or listening to others. Over time, this concept evolved into the modern noun 'hearsay,' denoting information that is not based on personal knowledge or firsthand experience but is instead relayed or repeated from one person to another. The etymology of 'hearsay' reflects its fundamental connection to the act of hearing and speaking, emphasizing the indirect nature of the information it describes.

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Further usage examples of hearsay

1. The story's authenticity was questionable, as it was based on hearsay.
2. Hearsay often distorts the truth and spreads misinformation.
3. The news report was mostly hearsay, lacking credible sources.
4. In legal matters, hearsay can be a major obstacle to justice.
5. He dismissed the hearsay and sought firsthand accounts of the incident.
6. The decision was made based on hearsay rather than concrete evidence.
7. She learned about the incident through hearsay from her friends.
8. The entire case relied on circumstantial evidence and hearsay.
9. Hearsay can damage reputations and careers without cause.
10. We cannot rely solely on hearsay to make informed decisions.
11. The witness's statement was dismissed as mere hearsay.
12. The investigation uncovered the truth behind the hearsay and rumors.
13. The information was based on hearsay and not verified.
14. The statement was considered hearsay and not taken into account.
15. The accusations were based on hearsay and not supported by evidence.
16. The rumor was based on hearsay and not confirmed.
17. The testimony was hearsay and not reliable.
18. The evidence was hearsay and not legally binding.
19. The information was hearsay and not considered credible.
20. The claims were based on hearsay and not supported by facts.
21. The testimony was hearsay and not considered by the jury.
22. The story was hearsay and not supported by other sources.
23. The information was hearsay and not taken seriously by the authorities.