Telltale: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
telltale
[ หtษlหteษชl ]
revealing signs
The term 'telltale' is often used to describe something that serves as an indicator or sign of something else. It can refer to a situation where certain signs reveal information about a person's state or a hidden truth. For example, telltale marks on a surface can indicate prior activity. It is commonly used to emphasize the obviousness of the signs being pointed out.
Synonyms
disclosive, indicative, revealing.
Examples of usage
- The telltale signs of aging
- She noticed the telltale hesitation in his voice
- The telltale footprints led to the hidden entrance
informant or snitch
As a noun, 'telltale' refers to a person who reveals secrets or informs on others. This usage often carries a negative connotation, implying betrayal or untrustworthiness. Telltales are seen as individuals who cannot keep confidential matters to themselves, often causing trouble for those they inform on.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He was known as the telltale in our group
- The telltales were always quick to gossip
- In a tight community, being a telltale can lead to isolation
Translations
Translations of the word "telltale" in other languages:
๐ต๐น delator
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฌเคฏเคพเคจ เคเคฐเคจเฅ เคตเคพเคฒเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Verrรคter
๐ฎ๐ฉ penyampai
๐บ๐ฆ ะทัะฐะดะฝะธะบ
๐ต๐ฑ donosiciel
๐ฏ๐ต ๅใๅฃ่
๐ซ๐ท dรฉnonciateur
๐ช๐ธ delator
๐น๐ท ihbarcฤฑ
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ณ ๋ฐ์
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ูุฎุจุฑ
๐จ๐ฟ udavaฤ
๐ธ๐ฐ udavaฤ
๐จ๐ณ ๅๅฏ่
๐ธ๐ฎ izdajalec
๐ฎ๐ธ skjalla
๐ฐ๐ฟ ั ะฐะฑะฐััั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแชแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ ลikayษtรงi
๐ฒ๐ฝ delator
Etymology
The term 'telltale' has its origins in the English language, dating back to the early 15th century. It combines the verb 'tell', meaning to communicate information or facts, with the word 'tale', which refers to a story or narrative. This fusion reflects its dual meaning: as an adjective, it highlights something that reveals secrets or indicates something hidden; as a noun, it characterizes a person who discloses such secrets. Over time, the usage of 'telltale' has evolved in both literary and colloquial contexts, often reflecting the nuances of trust, secrecy, and revelation, thereby establishing its relevance in modern language.