Tell

/tɛl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a sign or indication of something.

The rising smoke was a tell that the campfire was still burning.

verb

to say or communicate information to someone.

She told him about her day at work.

to inform someone of something.

Can you tell me where the nearest gas station is?

to reveal or disclose information.

He wouldn't tell her the secret.

to order or instruct someone to do something.

Please tell your friend to arrive on time.

to discern or perceive something.

I can tell that something is bothering her.

Middle English 'tellen', from Old English 'tellan', meaning to count, relate.

tell the truth

to communicate facts honestly

tell a story

to narrate an account or tale

tell it like it is

to speak honestly and directly, without embellishment

tell off

to reprimand or scold someone

tell apart

to distinguish between two or more things

teller

a person who tells stories or counts money in a bank

tale

a story or narrative

telling

relating to the act of telling or significant in revealing information

to snitch or inform on someone

He’s just going to tell on you if you do that.

to brag or boast about something

Don't tell too much; it might come off as bragging.