Hearsay vs. Heresay — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 11, 2023
The correct spelling is "Hearsay," while the incorrect spelling is "Heresay." Hearsay refers to information received from others that cannot be substantiated.
Which is correct: Hearsay or Heresay
How to spell Hearsay?
Hearsay
Correct Spelling
Heresay
Incorrect Spelling
Difference Between Hearsay and Heresay
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
If you remember that "ear" is in the middle of "Hearsay," you won't spell it as "Heresay."
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
"Say" in "Hearsay" is about what you've heard someone say, connecting both actions.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
Remember that "Hearsay" begins with the word "hear," which helps you think about hearing something from someone else.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
"Heresay" looks like "here say," which doesn't make sense as the information isn't originating from 'here.'
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
Think of "Hearsay" as a combination of "hear" and "say," both verbs related to the word.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Definitions
Hearsay
Hearsay is information heard from someone else but not verified.
The rumor was just hearsay.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
Hearsay
Hearsay can be information that isn't directly observed.
I don't believe it; it's hearsay.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
Hearsay
Hearsay can mean unverified information spread by word of mouth.
The warning turned out to be hearsay.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
Hearsay
Hearsay often refers to gossip or rumors.
The community thrived on hearsay.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Hearsay
In law, hearsay is testimony based on what someone else said.
The judge disallowed the hearsay evidence.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
Hearsay
Hearsay evidence, in a legal forum, is testimony from a witness under oath who is reciting an out-of-court statement, the content of which is being offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted. In most courts, hearsay evidence is inadmissible (the "hearsay evidence rule") unless an exception to the hearsay rule applies.
Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 27, 2018
Hearsay
(Law) Evidence that is not within the personal knowledge of a witness, such as testimony regarding statements made by someone other than the witness, and that therefore may be inadmissible to establish the truth of a particular contention because the accuracy of the evidence cannot be verified through cross-examination.
Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 27, 2018
Hearsay
Information that was heard by one person about another that cannot be adequately substantiated.
Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 27, 2018
Hearsay
(law) Evidence based on the reports of others, which is normally inadmissible because it was not made under oath, rather than on personal knowledge.
Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 27, 2018
Hearsay
(law) An out-of-court statement offered in court for the truth of the matter asserted, which is normally inadmissible because it is not subject to cross-examination unless the hearsay statement falls under one of a number of exceptions.
Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 27, 2018
Hearsay
Report; rumor; fame; common talk; something heard from another.
Much of the obloquy that has so long rested on the memory of our great national poet originated in frivolous hearsays of his life and conversation.
Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 27, 2018
Hearsay
Gossip (usually a mixture of truth and untruth) passed around by word of mouth
Tayyaba Rehman
Nov 27, 2018
FAQs
Why is it called Hearsay?
It's called hearsay because it refers to information that one has "heard" someone "say," but not directly witnessed.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
Which preposition is used with Hearsay?
"On" or "about" as in "hearsay about" or "hearsay on."
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
What is the verb form of Hearsay?
There isn't a direct verb form of "Hearsay."
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
Which conjunction is used with Hearsay?
"And" is commonly used, as in "rumors and hearsay."
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
Is Hearsay a negative or positive word?
Generally considered neutral, but can be negative depending on context.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
Is the word “Hearsay” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
It can serve as a direct object in a sentence.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
What is a stressed syllable in Hearsay?
The first syllable, "Hear," is stressed.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
Is Hearsay a vowel or consonant?
Hearsay is a word that consists of both vowels and consonants.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
Which determiner is used with Hearsay?
"Some" as in "some hearsay," or "the" as in "the hearsay."
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
How is Hearsay used in a sentence?
The detective decided not to trust the hearsay and went to collect more reliable evidence.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
Which article is used with Hearsay?
The article "the" can be used, as in "the hearsay."
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content editor at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
