Meaning

Information that was heard by one person about another that cannot be adequately substantiated..

Definitions by Sense

1. Information that was heard by one person about another that cannot be adequately substantiated.
2. (law) Evidence based on the reports of others, which is normally inadmissible because it was not made under oath, rather than on personal knowledge.
3. (law) An out-of-court statement offered in court to prove the truth of the matter asserted (or the in-court testimony which recites such a statement), which is normally inadmissible (because it is not subject to cross-examination) unless it falls under one of a number of exceptions.

Example Sentences

based on hearsay

The story turned out to be nothing but hearsay.

dismiss hearsay

The judge ruled the testimony as mere hearsay.

Word Forms

• hearsays

Synonyms for hearsay

Related Words

When Should You Use Hearsay?

Use hearsay when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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