Tell: meaning, definitions and examples

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tell

 

[ tel ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

communication

To communicate information or facts to someone through spoken or written words.

Synonyms

communicate, inform, say

Examples of usage

  • He told me about his new job.
  • She told the truth about what happened.
  • Can you tell me the time?
  • We need to tell them our decision.
Context #2 | Verb

narration

To narrate or relate a story or event.

Synonyms

narrate, recount, relate

Examples of usage

  • She told a funny joke at the party.
  • He likes to tell stories about his travels.
Context #3 | Noun

counting

A numerical count or total.

Synonyms

count, sum, total

Examples of usage

  • I lost count of how many times she told me to do my homework.
  • The tell of the coins revealed their value.

Translations

Translations of the word "tell" in other languages:

🇵🇹 contar

🇮🇳 बताना

🇩🇪 erzählen

🇮🇩 cerita

🇺🇦 розповідати

🇵🇱 opowiadać

🇯🇵 話す (hanasu)

🇫🇷 raconter

🇪🇸 contar

🇹🇷 anlatmak

🇰🇷 말하다 (malhada)

🇸🇦 يخبر (yukhbir)

🇨🇿 říct

🇸🇰 povedať

🇨🇳 告诉 (gàosù)

🇸🇮 povedati

🇮🇸 segja

🇰🇿 айту

🇬🇪 თქმა (tkhma)

🇦🇿 demək

🇲🇽 contar

Etymology

The word 'tell' originated from Old English 'tellan' which meant to count, number, reckon. Over time, it evolved to also mean to narrate or communicate. The word has roots in Proto-Germanic and is related to words in other Germanic languages. 'Tell' has been in use for centuries and remains a common word in the English language today.

See also: foretell, foretelling, retelling, telling, telly.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #491, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.