Phrase guide

I say

intj · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

intj

Meaning 1

An exclamation of surprise or protest.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK, dated

Examples

  • I say! That's impressive!
  • I say, what is the meaning of this?

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

intj

Meaning 2

An exclamation used to call someone or attract someone's attention.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK, dated

Examples

  • I say! ... John ... Are you still there? If you're going into town could you get some eggs?

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

intj

Meaning 3

Used for emphasis, or when resuming after diversion or interruption.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

intj

Meaning 4

A traditional introduction to a joke, usually thrice repeated.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: dated

Examples

  • I say, I say, I say! Did you hear the one about the nun in a maternity ward?

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.