Do you know what HEARSAY means?

Have you ever heard something so intriguing that you felt compelled to share it, even if you weren’t sure it was true? Be honest.  :)

That kind of hearsay – or gossip – is exactly what gives rise to rumors. 

The word “hearsay” is typically used as a noun and most commonly appears in discussions about information or statements that are not based on direct knowledge, but rather on what someone has heard from someone else. It’s often associated with rumors, gossip, or indirect information, and has a special usage in legal contexts, too.

Basic meaning of hearsay

Unverified information received from other people; something you’ve „heard said” but don’t know to be true yourself. It can be translated into Polish as pogłoska, plotka, informacja z drugiej ręki, opowieści zasłyszane, niepotwierdzone wieści

Grammar & usage notes:

• • Uncountable noun – We don’t say “a hearsay” or “hearsays.”
    
    
  • It’s often preceded by „just”, „pure”, „mere” to emphasize doubt or unreliability.
    
    
  • Commonly appears in legal, journalistic, and everyday gossip contexts.
    
    

Common sentence patterns:

1. 1. That’s just hearsay.  > To tylko plotka.
      [To dismiss something as unreliable.]
      
      
   2. It’s all hearsay at this point – we need facts.  > To same pogłoski w tej chwili – my potrzebujemy faktów.)
      [Emphasizing the lack of verified info.]
      
      
   3. According to hearsay, he’s moving to Spain. > Plotka mówi, że on przeprowadza się do Hiszpanii.
      [Indicating you’ve heard it but don’t know if it’s true.]
      
      
   4. The court does not admit hearsay as evidence. > Sąd nie dopuszcza niepotwierdzonych pogłosek jako dowodów.
      [Legal context: secondhand info is usually inadmissible.]
      
      

Legal context example:

1. 1. The witness’s statement was dismissed as hearsay because she didn’t see the event herself. > Oświadczenie świadka zostało odrzucone jako pogłoska, ponieważ ona nie widziała zdarzenia na własne oczy.
      [In court, hearsay can’t usually be used as solid evidence.]

Related words:

• • Rumor (everyday use, more informal) – pogłoska
    
    
  • Gossip (often about personal matters) – plotka
    
    
  • Speculation (more about guessing than repeating) – spekulacja, przypuszczenie
    
    
  • Word of mouth (can be positive or neutral) – przekaz z ust do ust, poczta pantoflowa
    
    

Mini Quiz – „Hearsay” Practice

Part 1: Multiple Choice (Choose the best answer)

1. 1. Which sentence uses “hearsay” correctly?
      a) I love how hearsays are portrayed in novels.
      b) He gave me a wonderful hearsay.
      c) That’s just hearsay—we shouldn’t jump to conclusions.
      d) We saw the hearsay with our own eyes.
   2. What is the best synonym for hearsay in everyday conversation?
      a) research
      b) gossip
      c) evidence
      d) quote
   3. In a courtroom, hearsay is often…
      a) used as the main proof
      b) required from all witnesses
      c) not allowed as evidence
      d) encouraged by lawyers

Part 2: Fill in the blank

Use “hearsay” to complete each sentence.

1. 4. I didn’t see anything myself—it’s just __________.
   5. That news about her quitting? It’s pure __________.
   6. We need facts, not __________ and guesses.

 Part 3: True or False

1. 7. Hearsay means you personally witnessed something.
   8. Hearsay is usually reliable and based on scientific data
   9. Hearsay can lead to false rumors.