say

For the verb: "to say"

Simple Past:	said
Past Participle:	said

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
say/seɪ/

▶verb (says; past and past part. said)

• 1 utter words so as to convey information, an opinion, an instruction, etc.

  ■ (of a text or symbol) convey information or instructions.

  ■ (of a clock or watch) indicate (a time).

  ■ (be said) be asserted or reported.

  ■ recite (a speech or formula).

• 2 (say something for) present a consideration in favour of or excusing.

• 3 assume as a hypothesis.

▶exclamation N. Amer. informal used to express surprise or to draw attention to a remark or question. ▶noun an opportunity to state one's opinion or feelings.

■ an opportunity to influence events.

– phrases
go without saying be obvious.
how say you? Law how do you find? (used to request a jury's verdict).
I say! Brit. dated used to express surprise or to draw attention to a remark.
say the word give permission or instructions.
there is no saying it is impossible to know.
they say it is rumoured.
when all is said and done when everything is taken into account.

– derivatives
sayable adjective,
-sayer noun.

– origin OE secgan, of Gmc origin.