put out the word

[kjc0123]

What is the meaning of 'put out the word' in the following sentence?

As soon as we knew that it was a deep earthquake- that it was this type of earthquake- we immediately put out the word that we should expect very few aftershocks.

p.s. : I have posted so many questions about the meaning of everyday words and expressions. The reason is that : For many of you, native speakers of English, my questions might be so self-obvious that they are worthless as questions. But I am not native speaker(I am Korean) and I have never been to USA or UK. I study English with books only. I very often encounter some words or phrases that are not in English dictionaries. So through this site I learn the exact meaning or origin, usage of some words, expressions, etc. and that is so priceless to me. In the first place I think it's my fault not to explain the reason why I ask so many questions so many times. Even though you think that my questions are being self-obvious, silly, absurd, please forgive me and please answer my questions. Your sincere answers are as priceless as diamond to me. And if possible, please point out the wrongness in my usage of English.

 

[ll_billym]

Could be a few things:

 

Thought - The process of thinking.

Knew - Aware of the fact

Assumed - Accepted as true with no proof.

Surmised or Believed - Imagine the case to be true.

[newtron]

It means they let people know (told people) that they should expect very few aftershocks.

[ll_billym]

I should have read the question properly!!

[Numbers]

Put out the word - spread the message.

[Ewood27]

I would just like to add, kjc, that your command of English, as shown in your explanation above (following "p.s.") is a positive jewel of clarity and grammatical usage compared to the illiterate offerings of some questioners!

[smorodina]

Thanks for explaining kjc! I had a feeling you were asking because you were not a native speaker, although I agree with Ewood that your use of English is superb. I hope that some of the answers you have been given have been of help, and that those who scorned you feel suitably ashamed. Keep asking!

 

If you don't already know about it, could I also recommend this site:

 

http://www.antimoon.com/forum/index.htm

 

Very useful for the type of questions you ask. Many native speakers from UK and USA give answers to all sorts of questions on English grammar and useage.

[RATTER15]

Put out the word means to spread the word or to distribute the information widely.

[Peter Pedant]

publicised