Tell

Main Entry:: ¹tell
Pronunciation:: \ˈtel\
Function:: verb
Inflected Form(s):: told \ˈtōld\ ; tell·ing
Etymology:: Middle English, from Old English tellan; akin to Old High German zellen to count, tell, Old English talu tale
Date:: before 12th century

transitive verb1: count , enumerate <tell the stars, if thou be able to number them — Genesis 15:5(Authorized Version)>2 a: to relate in detail : narrate <told the whole story to us> b: to give utterance to : say <could never tell a lie>3 a: to make known : divulge , reveal <don't tell your password> b: to express in words <she never told her love — Shakespeare>4 a: to give information to : inform <tell us about your job> b: to assure emphatically <they did not do it, I tell you>5: order , direct <told me to wait>6: to find out by observing : recognize <you can tell it's a masterpiece>intransitive verb1: to give an account <an article telling of her experience>2: to act as an informer —often used with on<I'll get even with you if you ever tell on me — Inside Detective>3: to have a marked effect <the pressure was beginning to tell on him>4: to serve as evidence or indication

synonyms see reveal

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