Cool MateGossip vs Rumour
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Gossip
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Rumour
Top 3,000 (common)C1noun
Most formal: RumourMost common: Gossip
| Gossip | Rumour | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈɡɒs.ɪp//🇺🇸 //ˈɡɑː.sɪp// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈruːmə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈruːmər/"]/ |
| Meaning | Talking about someone else's private life or rumors. | A story that people talk about but is not proven to be true. |
| Example | They love to gossip about their neighbors' love life. | There is a rumour that the company will be announcing layoffs next month. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | spread gossip, engage in gossip, latest gossip, gossip column, gossip mill | malicious, nasty, scurrilous, start, fuel, spread, circulate, get around, go around, factory, mill, amid rumours, rumour about, rumour concerning, rumour has it that…, there is no truth in the rumour |
| Antonyms | - | fact, truth |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'gossiping' as in 'He was gossiping with her'., 'Gossip' often refers to both the act and the information discussed. | Confused with ' rumor' in American English; 'rumour' is British English., Using 'rumour' as a verb (incorrect); it's only a noun., Mistaking 'rumour' for facts; a rumour is not confirmed information. |
| Usage notes | Use 'gossip' in informal contexts, often among friends or family. Avoid in formal settings, like meetings or presentations. | Use 'rumour' in social contexts where gossip or unverified information is discussed. Avoid in formal reports or academic writing. |
Frequently asked questions: Gossip vs Rumour
What's the difference between Gossip and Rumour?
Gossip: Talking about someone else's private life or rumors. Rumour: A story that people talk about but is not proven to be true.
Which is more formal: Gossip and Rumour?
Rumour is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Gossip and Rumour?
Gossip is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Gossip: They love to gossip about their neighbors' love life. Rumour: There is a rumour that the company will be announcing layoffs next month.
Can I use Gossip and Rumour interchangeably?
Not always. Gossip and Rumour are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.