The correct spelling of the phrase "says nothing" is /sɛz ˈnʌθɪŋ/. The first word "says" is pronounced with the /z/ sound, followed by the vowel sound /ɛ/ and the consonant sound /s/. The second word "nothing" starts with the consonant sound /n/ followed by the vowel sound /ʌ/ and a voiced fricative sound /ð/. The spelling of this phrase is important to ensure proper communication and understanding, especially when communicating in written form.
The phrase "says nothing" refers to a situation or action in which someone's words lack meaning, substance, or significance, contributing little or no valuable information or insight. It suggests that the individual's statement fails to communicate any relevant or worthwhile message, presenting an empty or hollow delivery.
When someone "says nothing," it implies that they may appear to speak, but their words carry no weight or convey no meaningful thoughts or ideas. It could indicate that their communication is insubstantial, lacking depth, insight, or originality. It may further suggest a lack of intention or effort to contribute effectively to a conversation, as their words hold no substance that could foster understanding, promote discourse or offer valuable input.
The phrase can be used to describe situations where individuals avoid taking a definitive stance or expressing their true thoughts or opinions. It may imply a sense of ambiguity or evasiveness, as the person may choose to withhold significant information, intentionally providing an incomplete or unhelpful response to a query or discussion.
Overall, "says nothing" describes verbal communication that fails to add value, shed light on a topic, engage in productive discourse, or contribute constructively, leaving others with a sense of emptiness or a lack of comprehension due to the lack of substance provided in the conversation.
The phrase "says nothing" does not have a distinct etymology on its own. It is a combination of two words: "says" and "nothing".
The word "says" is derived from the Old English word "secgan", which means "to utter, speak, or tell". It has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "sagjaną" and the Indo-European root "sek-" which means "to say" or "to talk".
The word "nothing" originated from the Middle English word "nothing" which was a combination of "no" and "thing". "No" comes from the Old English word "nān" meaning "not one" or "not any". The word "thing" can be traced back to the Old English word "þing", meaning "assembly" or "meeting".