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Tellingly: meaning, definitions and examples

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tellingly

 

[ ˈtɛlɪŋli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

manner of speaking

In a manner that reveals or implies something significant. The term is often used to describe a situation or comment that conveys a deeper meaning or insight. It highlights the effect of the way something is said or presented, suggesting that it carries more weight than what is explicitly stated. Tellingly can also imply that the implication seems to align with known facts or beliefs, enhancing the significance of the statement made.

Synonyms

notably, poignantly, revealably, significantly

Examples of usage

  • She looked at him tellingly, hinting at her suspicions.
  • He paused, tellingly, before responding to the question.
  • The report was tellingly vague about the financial details.
  • Tellingly, the group fell silent when she entered.

Translations

Translations of the word "tellingly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 expressivamente

🇮🇳 बयानात्मक रूप से

🇩🇪 ausdrucksvoll

🇮🇩 secara ekspresif

🇺🇦 повчально

🇵🇱 mówiąco

🇯🇵 語るように

🇫🇷 de manière révélatrice

🇪🇸 de manera reveladora

🇹🇷 anlamlı bir şekilde

🇰🇷 말해주듯이

🇸🇦 بشكل معبر

🇨🇿 výmluvně

🇸🇰 výstižne

🇨🇳 显而易见地

🇸🇮 zgovorno

🇮🇸 sögulega

🇰🇿 айқын түрде

🇬🇪 ამბისმეტყველურად

🇦🇿 açıq şəkildə

🇲🇽 de manera reveladora

Etymology

The word 'tellingly' is derived from the verb 'tell', which comes from Old English 'tellan', meaning 'to count, relate, narrate, or announce'. The adverbial form 'tellingly' emerged from the combination of 'telling,' which refers to conveying information or communicating something significant, with the adverbial suffix '-ly'. This development in the English language reflects the pivot towards using the adverb to describe not just the action of telling but also the manner in which something is conveyed, emphasizing the implications of what is being said. The historical evolution of 'tell' is rooted in the Proto-Germanic '*talōną', linked to the notion of counting or recounting events, which has evolved to encompass a broader spectrum of communication. Over the centuries, 'tellingly' has been adopted in a range of contexts in literature and speech, particularly in analytical discussions where the implications of actions or statements are highlighted.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,885 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.