say·ing (sā́ĭng)

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noun 

Something, such as an adage or maxim, that is said.

synonyms:

saying, maxim, adage, saw²motto, epigram, proverb, aphorism These nouns refer to concise verbal expressions setting forth wisdom or a truth. A saying is an often repeated and familiar expression: a collection of philosophical sayings. Maxim denotes particularly an expression of a general truth or a rule of conduct: “For a wise man, he seemed to me … to be governed too much by general maxims” (Edmund Burke) Adage applies to a saying that has gained credit through long use: a gift that gave no credence to the adage, “Good things come in small packages.” Saw often refers to a familiar saying that has become trite through frequent repetition: old saws that gave little comfort to the losing team. A motto expresses the aims, character, or guiding principles of a person, group, or institution: “Exuberance over taste” is my motto. An epigram is a witty expression, often paradoxical or satirical and neatly or brilliantly phrased: In his epigram Samuel Johnson called remarriage a “triumph of hope over experience.” Proverb refers to an old and popular saying that illustrates something such as a basic truth or a practical precept: “Slow and steady wins the race” is a proverb to live by. Aphorism, denoting a concise expression of a truth or principle, implies depth of content and stylistic distinction: Few writers have coined more aphorisms than Benjamin Franklin.

say (sā)

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[Middle English seien, from Old English secgan.]

verb: said (sĕd), say·ing, says (sĕz) 

transitive verb 

1. To utter aloud; pronounce: The children said, “Good morning.”
2. To express in words: Say what's on your mind.
3. 1. To state as one's opinion or judgment; declare: I say let's eat out.
   2. To state as a determination of fact: It's hard to say who is right in this matter.
4. To repeat or recite: said grace.
5. To report or maintain; allege.
6. 1. To indicate; show: The clock says half past two.
   2. To give nonverbal expression to; signify or embody: It was an act that said “devotion.”
7. To suppose; assume: Let's say that you're right.

intransitive verb 

To make a statement; express oneself: The story must be true because the teacher said so.

noun 

1. A turn or chance to speak: Having had my say, I sat down.
2. The right or power to influence or make a decision: Citizens have a say in the councils of government. All I want is some say in the matter.
3. Archaic Something said; a statement.

adverb 

1. Approximately: There were, say, 500 people present.
2. For instance: a woodwind, say an oboe.

interjection 

Used to express surprise or appeal for someone's attention.

idioms

I say

Used preceding an utterance to call attention to it: I say, do you have the time? Used as an exclamation of surprise, delight, or dismay.

that is to say

In other words.

to say nothing of

And there is no need to mention. Used to allude to things that fill out an idea or argument: The yard is a mess, to say nothing of the house.

you can say that again

Used to express strong agreement with what has just been said.

derivatives

saýer

noun