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Teller Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿงพ
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teller

[หˆtษ›lษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

bank employee

A teller is a bank employee who deals directly with customers, performing various monetary transactions. They usually assist customers with deposits, withdrawals, and other banking services. Tellers are the frontline representatives of the bank, and their duties can also include processing checks and providing account information. In some cases, tellers may also sell financial products and services.

Synonyms

bank clerk, banker, cashier.

Examples of usage

  • The teller helped me deposit my paycheck.
  • I asked the teller about the bank's loan options.
  • She worked as a teller for five years before becoming a manager.
Context #2 | Noun

story narrator

In a broader sense, a teller can refer to someone who tells a story or recounts events. This usage often appears in literature or oral traditions, where a teller engages an audience with their narrative style. The role of the teller is crucial in preserving and sharing stories across generations.

Synonyms

narrator, recounting, storyteller.

Examples of usage

  • The storyteller was a talented teller of ancient myths.
  • As a teller, she captivated the audience with her vivid descriptions.
  • He was known as a great teller of tales in his village.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Banking History

  • The role of a teller in banks became prominent in the 18th century as banking institutions grew and needed clerks to handle financial transactions.
  • Tellers have evolved from handling physical currency to managing digital transactions as banking technology advanced.

Cultural References

  • Tellers often appear in movies and literature as the characters who assist protagonists with financial needs, sometimes leading to crucial plot developments.
  • In popular culture, the image of a teller is frequently associated with a sense of trust and safety, as they manage peopleโ€™s hard-earned money.

Psychology

  • Tellers are often trained in customer service skills, fostering empathy and patience, which are essential for managing financial anxieties of customers.
  • Studies have shown that people's trust in financial institutions is partly influenced by their interactions with tellers.

Modern Banking

  • In the era of online banking, the role of tellers has shifted; they now focus more on customer service and problem-solving rather than just transactional duties.
  • Some banks are introducing technology that allows tellers to work in more consultative roles, offering financial advice in addition to transactional support.

Origin of 'teller'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'teller' comes from the Old English word 'tellan', which means 'to count' or 'to tell'.
  • Originally, the role was not just limited to banks; in medieval times, it meant someone who counted money or goods.

The word 'teller' originates from the Old English term 'tellan', which means 'to count, to recount'. This term can be traced further back to the Proto-Germanic '*talลnฤ…', meaning 'to tell' or 'to count'. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved, with uses in Middle English emerging around the 14th century. In the context of banking, the role of a teller as a financial clerk developed with the establishment of banks in the 17th century, as these institutions required personnel to handle monetary transactions. The dual meaning of 'teller' as someone who conveys information or stories has persisted, highlighting the word's versatility. Throughout history, the teller has played a crucial role in both financial and cultural contexts, bridging the gap between information and communication.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,200, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.