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- Telling - meaning & definition
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Translate Files Telling
/ˈtɛlɪŋ/
Meaning & Definition
verb
The act of informing or revealing something.
She was telling him about her day at work.
To give a spoken account of something.
He was telling a story about his childhood.
To order or instruct someone to do something.
The teacher is telling the students to complete their homework.
adjective
Revealing or indicative of something.
The telling details in the suspect's alibi raised doubts.
Having a significant meaning; crucial.
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
To inform on someone or something.
He’s just telling on his friends to save himself.
Revealing truths in an unfiltered manner.
Her telling like it is won her many fans.