sources say

Definition

A hedge phrase used to attribute information to unnamed or unspecified sources; commonly used in journalism and media to report claims without confirming them or revealing informant identities. Suggests the information is from reliable channels but remains unverified.

Example Usage

Sources say the company is planning a major restructuring in the coming months.

Origin

Combination of 'source' (from Latin 'surgere,' to rise or spring forth) and the verb 'to say'; primarily a journalistic convention developed in the 20th century.

Fun Fact

Overuse of 'sources say' can erode credibility; some readers view it as deliberately vague and designed to evade accountability.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

Related Terms

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