tell
verb (transitive)
UK/tel/US/tɛl/
To perceive or discern something, especially by using the senses.
Example Sentences
She told the faint sound coming from the attic, alerting her family to investigate.
He told a subtle difference in the two paintings, recognizing the artist's unique style.
They told the slight change in her behavior, prompting a conversation about her well-being.
She told a distinct aroma emanating from the kitchen, signaling that dinner was ready.
He told a slight movement in the bushes, suspecting there might be someone hiding.
The dog told a distant noise, alerting its owners to a possible intruder.
She told the subtle variations in his tone, understanding that he was upset.
He told the hidden messages in the poem, appreciating its deeper meaning.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
noun (countable)
UK/tel/US/tɛl/
A banknote, especially in British slang.
Example Sentences
He paid for his lunch with a ten-tell.
She collected foreign tells as a hobby, storing them in a special album.
The thief was caught with a bag full of stolen tells from various shops.
They exchanged tells at the market, bargaining over the prices of goods.
He found a rare tell in his grandfather's old wallet.
She withdrew tells from the ATM to cover her weekend expenses.
The counterfeit tell was detected by the security features embedded in the banknote.
They discussed the best ways to protect their tells from theft and damage.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Indicates sharing, instructing, or narrating information or stories.This verb typically centers on imparting information—whether that’s a fact, opinion, or directive. In its most straightforward usage, it describes someone verbally giving details to another: “I’ll tell you the plan.” You might also see it in contexts of instructions or commands: “Tell her to meet me at noon.” In storytelling, it underscores the act of narrating events: “He told a captivating tale.”The key to using this term effectively is clarity of intent. When you want to convey facts, make sure the listener has enough context: “I’ll tell you about the museum’s opening hours.” If your aim is to guide action, provide concise directives: “Tell him to file the report by Monday.” If you’re sharing stories, focus on structuring the narrative so it flows smoothly from start to finish.In interpersonal discussions, tone plays a role. A firm, terse “tell him” can sound commanding or abrupt, whereas a more courteous phrasing—“Could you please tell him?”—invites cooperation. Whether you’re using it in formal or casual settings, tailor your wording so the audience feels informed rather than barked at. Lastly, keep in mind that 'telling' can be more than speech alone; you might also 'tell' something through writing, texting, or any medium that conveys a message. By paying attention to context, audience, and structure, you ensure your message is clearly understood, whether you’re delivering factual updates, instructions, or entertaining narratives.
Alternatives
Other words convey similar meanings, though each carries subtle nuances. “Inform” focuses on delivering factual or official details—especially common in announcements or formal statements. Meanwhile, “advise” emphasizes guiding someone’s decisions or actions: “I advise you to double-check your figures.” If you want to stress a strong instruction, “command” or “order” might fit a more authoritative tone, though they can sound terse in casual contexts.For casual or everyday conversation, “let [someone] know” is a friendly alternative: “Let me know if you’re free this weekend.” This phrasing hints at an open channel of communication, rather than a one-sided flow. “Share” can spotlight the personal nature of what’s being conveyed, often implying a supportive or collaborative atmosphere. When narrating stories, “relate” or “recount” highlights the step-by-step unfolding of events: “She recounted the entire tale of how they first met.” Meanwhile, “describe” often points to painting a visual or detailed picture in words. Each substitute has a distinct flavor—whether formal, personal, urgent, or descriptive—so pick carefully based on tone and context. By mixing synonyms purposefully, you add variety to your speech or writing and refine the exact message you intend to deliver.
Writing
When writing, clarity matters just as much as it does in spoken language—if not more. Readers rely on your cues to understand the who, what, and why behind a statement. If you’re documenting instructions, begin with a heading like “Instructions” or “Steps” to signal a directive tone; then use the verb in short, declarative sentences: “Tell the technician to test each device twice.” This approach leaves no ambiguity about your intent.In creative writing, using “tell” can streamline dialogue. For instance, you might write: “He told her the entire plan as they walked.” This quick line effectively conveys the content of a conversation without diving into direct quotes. If you want to show the emotional impact or style of how something is shared, though, consider synonyms like “explain,” “reveal,” or “confess.” Doing so can reinforce mood or tension. That said, watch out for over-reliance on the dreaded ‘show vs. tell’ pitfall. In many narratives, revealing characters’ thoughts and experiences through action rather than direct statements can deepen engagement.Balance direct and indirect approaches. Some passages call for succinctness, where a direct “He told me to leave” is perfect. In other sections, you might expand the scene: “He slowly began to share the instructions, his voice trembling with hesitation.” By weaving these approaches together, you ensure your writing remains both purposeful and engaging. All in all, “tell” offers a concise, universally understood way to denote communication—but pairing it with expressive language or alternative phrasing can keep your text dynamic and fresh.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, this small verb appears constantly—“Tell me about your day,” “Could you tell him I called?” or “I’ll tell you what happened.” Its broad scope makes it an ideal go-to for quickly relaying facts and updates. When you want to spark someone’s interest—perhaps by sharing a fun story or funny anecdote—saying, “Wait till I tell you this,” can build a sense of anticipation.Of course, tone matters here. A light, friendly “Tell me more” signals curiosity and openness, whereas a sharp “Tell me what you did!” can sound demanding or accusatory. If you sense tension, rewording into something like, “I’d love to understand more—could you explain?” fosters a safer environment. Also, keep in mind that effective communication isn’t just about speaking; listening attentively ensures you catch the full story others want to share.Another everyday usage is the phrase “tell on someone,” usually referring to reporting a wrongdoing—familiar from childhood contexts like “I’ll tell on you if you eat the cookies!” Among friends, though, you might hear: “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone,” showing trust or loyalty. These smaller nuances carry big emotional weight in casual settings. Adding extra kindness or humor can soften directives. Overall, “tell” is a user-friendly tool for getting your point across, and because of its versatility, it remains a staple in daily chatter across all ages and backgrounds.
Etymology
Coming from Old English “tellan,” which initially included meanings like “count” or “reckon,” this word gradually shifted to its present focus on communicating information. In early Germanic tongues, similar roots carried the sense of calculating or enumerating, implying the idea of making something clear or explicit. Over centuries, as spoken English interacted with influences from Norse, Norman, and other languages, it refined those older connotations into the modern emphasis on speaking or instructing.During the medieval and early modern periods, “tell” commonly referred to conveying narratives or recounting events, whether in folk tales or official declarations. It also merged with the concept of enumerating facts: telling the story of a village, telling time, telling a sum. Eventually, specialized phrases—like “foretell” for predicting, “retell” for re-narrating—bloomed, showcasing its flexibility. Even as language became more specialized, “tell” remained a consistent, plainspoken option for bridging the gap between the teller and the audience. Today, whether used in casual conversation, literary dialogue, or formal instruction, the term’s core purpose—to articulate and transmit information—remains unchanged.
