Word
saying
Phoneticssay·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈseɪɪŋ/
UK/sˈeɪɪŋ/
Definitions
01a proverb
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. a short, well-known phrase that expresses a general truth or gives advice.
n. a traditional proverb, maxim, or aphorism that encapsulates a common observation or piece of folk wisdom.
“As the old saying goes, 'Better late than never.'”
“The speaker illustrated his point with a traditional saying, reminding the audience that patience is often its own reward.”
Usage
Often introduced by phrases like 'as the saying goes' or 'there is an old saying'.
02an utterance
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Archaic · Literary
n. something that someone has said.
n. the act of speaking or that which is spoken; an utterance.
“The king's sayings were recorded by his loyal scribes.”
“In the ancient text, the prophet's sayings were treated as divine law by the local population.”
Teaching tip
This sense is archaic; in modern English, use 'words' or 'statements' instead.
Etymology
From say + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Related words
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/saying