Meaning & Definition of Tell in English

1. A swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer

• According to legend an austrian governor compelled him to shoot an apple from his son's head with his crossbow (which he did successfully without mishap)

1. Express in words

• "He said that he wanted to marry her"

• "Tell me what is bothering you"

• "State your opinion"

• "State your name"

2. Let something be known

• "Tell them that you will be late"

3. Narrate or give a detailed account of

• "Tell what happened"

• "The father told a story to his child"

4. Give instructions to or direct somebody to do something with authority

• "I said to him to go home"

• "She ordered him to do the shopping"

• "The mother told the child to get dressed"

5. Discern or comprehend

• "He could tell that she was unhappy"

6. Inform positively and with certainty and confidence

• "I tell you that man is a crook!"

7. Give evidence

• "He was telling on all his former colleague"

8. Mark as different

• "We distinguish several kinds of maple"