tell

¹tell

verb \ˈtel\

told\ˈtōld\tell·ing

Definition of TELL

transitive verb

1

: 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 verb

1

: 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

Examples of TELL

1. He told us the story.
2. Has she told you the good news, yet?
3. Please tell us your name and occupation.
4. She looked at the palm of my hand and told me my fortune.
5. If you see her, tell her hello for me.
6. “I feel sick,” he told his mom.
7. “What is his name?” “I don't know. He didn't tell me.”
8. “Who is the letter from?” “I'm not telling.”
9. I promise not to tell anyone.
10. I can't tell you because it's a secret.

Origin of TELL

Middle English, from Old English tellan; akin to Old High German zellen to count, tell, Old English talu tale

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to TELL

Synonyms: chart, chronicle, describe, narrate, recite, recount, rehearse, relate, report, set forth

Antonyms: mind, obey

Related Words: deliver, give, reel off, state, utter, voice; detail, enumerate, itemize, particularize; bare, disclose, divulge, expose, let on (about), reveal; delineate, depict, express, render, sketch

Near Antonyms: stifle, suppress

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at reveal

Rhymes with TELL

bel, bell, belle, cel, cell, dell, dwell, el, ell, fell, gel, Hel, hell, jell, knell, l, mell, quell, sell, shell, smell, snell, spell, swell, well, yell