What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hearsay
Example
I heard it through hearsay that the company is going bankrupt. [hearsay: noun]
Example
The witness's testimony was dismissed as hearsay since it was based on what someone else told them. [hearsay: adjective]
rumor
Example
There's a rumor going around that the school is closing down. [rumor: noun]
Example
She was upset by the rumors that were being spread about her online. [rumors: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rumor is more commonly used than hearsay in everyday language. Rumor is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while hearsay is less common and is typically used in legal or formal contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between hearsay and rumor?
Hearsay has a more formal and legal connotation, while rumor is more informal and can have a negative connotation. Therefore, hearsay is more appropriate in formal or legal contexts, while rumor is more suitable for informal or casual conversations.
