hearsay Definition
- 1information that you have heard from other people but do not know to be true
- 2the report of another person's words by a witness, usually disallowed as evidence in a court of law
Using hearsay: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "hearsay" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
I don't believe it. It's just hearsay.
Example
The judge refused to admit the testimony because it was based on hearsay.
Example
The newspaper article was full of hearsay and innuendo.
Example
She was convicted on the basis of hearsay evidence.
hearsay Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for hearsay
Phrases with hearsay
a statement made by someone who did not directly witness or perceive the events or conditions being described
Example
The judge ruled that the hearsay evidence was inadmissible in court.
Example
The defense attorney objected to the prosecution's attempt to introduce hearsay evidence under the hearsay rule.
a legal rule that allows certain types of hearsay evidence to be admitted in court under specific circumstances
Example
The judge allowed the hearsay exception for excited utterances, allowing the witness to testify about what the victim said immediately after the incident.
Origins of hearsay
from Middle English 'heresay', meaning 'something heard'
Summary: hearsay in Brief
The term 'hearsay' [ˈhɪəseɪ] refers to information that is heard from others but not confirmed to be true. It is often used in legal contexts, where hearsay evidence is not admissible in court. Examples include 'I don't believe it. It's just hearsay,' and 'The newspaper article was full of hearsay and innuendo.' Phrases like 'hearsay evidence' and 'hearsay rule' are used to describe legal principles surrounding hearsay.
