what do you say Meaning

Definition and Meaning of “What Do You Say”

Core Meaning: “What do you say” is primarily an informal phrase used to elicit a response, agreement, or opinion from someone. It invites the listener to express their thoughts or to confirm or reject a suggestion.

Multiple Meanings:

1. Request for Opinion/Response: Asking someone to share their thoughts on something.
2. Invitation to Agree: Used when proposing an idea or suggestion, seeking the listener’s agreement.
3. Casual Agreement/Confirmation: Sometimes used rhetorically when expecting no disagreement.

Etymology

The phrase is a combination of the word “what,” which comes from Old English “hwæt,” meaning “what” or “which,” and “say,” originating from Old English “sægan,” meaning “to speak” or “to declare.” The phrase has evolved into a colloquial expression in modern English.

Literal and Figurative Uses

Literal Use:

• Example 1: “I’m thinking about going to the movies tonight. What do you say?” (Here, the speaker is literally asking for the listener’s opinion on going to the movies.)

Figurative Use:

• Example 2: “Let’s skip the meeting and have some coffee. What do you say?” (In this case, it suggests a relaxed invitation to agree on a different plan, using the phrase figuratively to encourage participation.)

Common Phrases or Idioms Featuring the Term

• “What do you say we…?” (Inviting agreement for a specific action, e.g., “What do you say we go for a hike?”)
• “What do you say to that?” (A challenge that invites feedback or reaction to a statement or situation.)

Contextual Usage & Example Sentences

1. Informal Speech: “We could get pizza for dinner. What do you say?”
2. Daily Conversations: “They want to know if we’re in for the road trip this weekend. What do you say?”
3. Academic Writing: “The study suggests significant findings; what do you say regarding their implications?”
4. Technical Context: “We’re proposing a new software update. What do you say about the timelines we’ve set?”
5. Slang Usage: “So, we partying tonight? What do you say?”

How the Phrase is Used

• Daily Conversations: Commonly used among friends or relatives, casual and friendly.
• Academic Writing: Less formal, yet could be seen in informal discourse within research discussions.
• Informal Speech: Frequently appears in casual interactions, suggesting a friendly and open dialogue.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms:

1. “What do you think?” -
2. “How about?” -
3. “Do you agree?” -

Antonyms:

1. “I disagree.” - .
2. “No way.” - .
3. “Not interested.” - .

Pronunciation & Phonetics

IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) Transcription: /wɒt duː juː seɪ/

This transcription reflects the standard pronunciation in General American English.

In summary, “What do you say” is a versatile phrase that serves as a conversation starter for opinions, suggestions, or confirmations in various contexts, whether in informal settings or more structured discussions.