Telling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฃ๏ธ
telling
[หtษlษชล ]
Definitions
communication
Communicating information, facts, or news to someone in spoken or written form.
Synonyms
informing, recounting, reporting.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| telling |
Used in casual everyday conversations when someone is talking to another person about something.
|
| informing |
Commonly used in formal or official contexts when giving someone important information or news.
|
| reporting |
Frequently used in formal contexts, especially in journalism, law enforcement, and business, when providing an account of something as a record, often involving factual data.
|
| recounting |
Typically used when someone is describing an event, especially in detail, often looking back on something that happened.
|
Examples of usage
- He was telling me about his new job.
- She told the students to be quiet.
- I will tell her the good news later.
- They are telling jokes at the party.
- We need to tell them the truth.
narration
Recounting a story or giving an account of events.
Synonyms
narrating, recounting, relating.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| telling |
Repeated for emphasis on its flexible usage, suitable for various contexts, both casual and formal.
|
| narrating |
Typically used in the context of storytelling, often implying a more detailed or structured account. Frequently found in literary or formal settings.
|
| recounting |
This word implies providing a detailed account of events, often something that happened in the past. It is somewhat formal and is used when specific details are important.
|
| relating |
Used to describe telling someone about a series of events or situations in a way that emphasizes the connection between them. It is more formal and often used in writing or speech.
|
Examples of usage
- She was telling a scary story around the campfire.
- He told us about his adventures in the jungle.
- The book tells the tale of a young wizard.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In literature, a 'telling detail' can reveal character traits or plot points, helping readers understand deeper meanings.
- Authors often use 'showing' versus 'telling' to make narratives more engaging, where showing evokes emotions instead of simply stating facts.
- Classic literature often features 'telling' in the form of moral lessons wrapped in stories, like Aesop's Fables.
Psychology
- Telling someone your thoughts can strengthen bonds by fostering trust and emotional understanding.
- In therapy, the act of telling oneโs story can be a vital part of healing, helping individuals process their experiences.
- Research shows that sharing narratives can enhance memory retention, allowing individuals to recall events more vividly.
Pop Culture
- Movies frequently utilize 'telling' through dialogues that reveal key plot twists, making the audience gasp in surprise.
- Social media has created a new form of telling, with users sharing snippets of their lives, known as 'storytelling'.
- In music, lyrics often tell stories that resonate with listeners, making them feel connected to the artistโs emotions.
Communication
- Effective communication often relies on the ability to tell ideas clearly, making it crucial in both personal and professional settings.
- Non-verbal cues also play a significant role in telling; gestures and facial expressions can speak volumes without words.
- In cultures around the world, storytelling is a traditional art form that carries history, morals, and news from generation to generation.
Origin of 'telling'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'telling' comes from the Old English 'tellan', which meant to count, relate, or explain.
- In Middle English, it evolved to refer to revealing or narrating events, linking it to storytelling.
- The adjective form emerged to describe something that exposes a lot, such as a 'telling detail' in a conversation.
The word 'telling' originated from the Old English word 'tellan', meaning 'to count, reckon'. Over time, its meaning evolved to include conveying information or narrating stories. The concept of telling stories has been a fundamental part of human communication throughout history, serving as a way to pass down knowledge, traditions, and experiences.
See also: foretell, foretelling, retelling, tell, telly.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #2,544, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.
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