The phrase "dare say" is commonly used to express a strong belief or opinion about something. The spelling is pronounced as /dɛər seɪ/ with the first vowel being an open-mid front unrounded vowel and the second being a diphthong consisting of an open-mid front unrounded vowel and a glide. The "d" in "dare" is pronounced with a voiced alveolar stop, while the "s" in "say" is a voiceless alveolar fricative. The correct spelling of this phrase is often confused with its homophone "daresay."
"Dare say" is a phrase that is most commonly used in colloquial English. It is an idiomatic expression that means to express a supposition or an opinion with a degree of uncertainty or modesty. It is often used when making a guess or assumption about something.
To "dare say" implies that the speaker is making a statement based on their own judgment or feelings, but is not entirely certain of its accuracy. It conveys a sense of caution or hesitation, suggesting that the speaker may not have enough evidence or certainty to make a definitive statement.
The phrase is often used to soften the impact of a statement, making it less assertive or opinionated. For example, someone might say, "I dare say it will rain tomorrow," meaning that they believe it is likely to rain but cannot say for certain.
It can also be used to express a sense of politeness or deference. For instance, "I dare say you're right" could be an acknowledgment that the other person's viewpoint is likely correct, even if the speaker is not entirely convinced.
In summary, "dare say" is a phrase that is used to indicate a supposition or opinion that is uncertain or lacking complete confidence. It is often employed to soften the impact of a statement or show deference to another person's viewpoint.
The phrase "dare say" originated from Middle English and has its roots in Old English. The word "dare" comes from the Old English verb "durran", which means "to dare" or "to have the courage". In this context, "say" simply means to state or express something. Over time, the two words were combined to create the phrase "dare say", which expresses a cautious or tentative opinion or assumption.