Meaning & Definition of word "Telling"
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Telling
/ˈtɛlɪŋ/
verb:
- 1. The act of informing or revealing something.
- Example: She was telling him about her day at work.
- 2. To give a spoken account of something.
- Example: He was telling a story about his childhood.
- 3. To order or instruct someone to do something.
- Example: The teacher is telling the students to complete their homework.
adjective:
- 1. Revealing or indicative of something.
- Example: The telling details in the suspect's alibi raised doubts.
- 2. Having a significant meaning; crucial.
- Example: Her silence was telling in the heated argument.
Etymology
From Middle English tellen, from Old English tellan.
Common Phrases and Expressions
telling sign:
An indication or example that demonstrates something.
telling comment:
A remark that reveals insight or information.
telling detail:
A piece of information that is significant or noteworthy.
Related Words
tell:
To inform someone about something.
tale:
A narrative or story.
testimonial:
A formal statement testifying to someone's character or qualifications.
Slang Meanings of telling
Meaning: To inform on someone or something.
Example Sentence: He’s just telling on his friends to save himself.
Meaning: Revealing truths in an unfiltered manner.
Example Sentence: Her telling like it is won her many fans.