Rumor Meaning
Rumor Definition & Usage
A rumor is an unverified piece of information or story, often spread informally from person to person, that may or may not be true.
Examples
- "There's a rumor going around that the company will lay off employees next week."
- "She heard a rumor that her favorite actor was dating someone new."
- "He spread a rumor that the restaurant was closing, but it wasn't true."
- "Many rumors about the celebrity's personal life circulated after the news broke."
- "The rumor about the concert being canceled turned out to be false."
To rumor is to spread an unverified or unofficial story or piece of information.
Examples
- "They are rumored to be getting married soon."
- "It is rumored that the store will open a new branch in the city."
- "People have been rumoring about the boss's retirement for months."
- "The media began to rumor about a possible scandal involving the actor."
- "Some websites are rumored to be spreading fake news."
Cultural Context
Rumors have existed in societies for centuries, often playing a significant role in shaping public opinion or sparking controversies. Historically, rumors have been a tool for influencing power dynamics, especially in political or social settings. In modern times, rumors can spread quickly due to social media platforms and the internet.
The Whispering Winds
Story
The Whispering Winds
The village of Elmswood was known for its quiet charm, but beneath its serene surface, rumors were like an undercurrent, flowing through the streets and alleys like a hidden river. The local bakery, owned by Mrs. Whitley, had recently been buzzing with whispers. No one knew who started it, but the rumor was spreading fast: a large corporation was interested in buying the bakery and turning it into a chain outlet. Tina, who worked at the bakery, first heard the whisper during her morning shift. 'You heard, right?' her colleague Jane had asked, her eyes wide with curiosity. 'They're going to sell the bakery!' Tina wasn’t sure if she should believe it, but the seed had been planted. By noon, the entire town was talking about it. Mrs. Whitley, who had always kept a low profile, was bombarded with questions when she arrived at the bakery that afternoon. 'Is it true?' asked a regular customer. 'Are you selling the place?' Mrs. Whitley, looking both frustrated and amused, shook her head. 'Rumors,' she said, a little too loudly, 'are a dangerous thing. Whoever started that nonsense should be ashamed.' But the rumors kept spreading. Soon, even Tina's neighbor, Mr. Lawson, came over, eager to know if the rumors were true. The same story, the same details, passed through the town in the span of hours. The rumor had a life of its own. As days passed, the bakery’s business dropped, customers unsure if it was worth visiting a place that might soon be gone. But then, a twist: The local news station ran a segment featuring Mrs. Whitley, where she stated firmly that the rumors were false. She was not selling, and the bakery was not going anywhere. By the end of the week, the rumor had faded, replaced by the next story, the next whisper. The town, it seemed, was constantly caught in a loop of gossip and misinformation. Tina, now more aware than ever, wondered how something as simple as a few whispered words could shape the fate of an entire business. But she also knew: rumors were like the winds—unpredictable and difficult to control. As Tina walked home that evening, she saw her neighbor again, shaking his head with a smile. 'I knew it wasn't true,' he said. 'But I couldn't help but wonder.'
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