Tole Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tole

[toสŠl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

informal usage

Tole is an informal variant of the word 'told', which is the past tense of the verb 'tell'. It denotes the act of conveying information or narrating a story to someone. This form is often used in casual settings and may appear in dialects or regional speech patterns. It is less commonly recognized in formal writing and may be considered nonstandard.

Synonyms

informed, related, told.

Examples of usage

  • He tole me about his trip.
  • She tole the kids a bedtime story.
  • They tole us the news yesterday.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • This art form gained popularity in America during the 19th century, reflecting the decorative needs of a growing middle class.
  • Tole painting often includes floral motifs, animals, and seasonal designs, making it a vibrant part of folk art traditions.
  • In some regions, tole painting is a community activity, with workshops helping to preserve this traditional craft.

Techniques

  • Tole painting typically involves multiple layers of paint, showcasing techniques like shading and highlighting for depth.
  • Artists often use stencils to assist in forming intricate designs that embody character and style.
  • The brushes used in tole painting can achieve various effects, from sharp lines to soft blends, enhancing the decorative appeal.

Contemporary Relevance

  • Today, tole painting has evolved, incorporating modern themes and materials, including environmentally friendly paints.
  • Social media platforms have helped globalize tole art, with enthusiasts sharing techniques and designs worldwide.
  • Workshops and classes have made tole painting accessible, allowing more people to explore this creative outlet.

Origin of 'tole'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'tole' comes from the French term 'tรดle,' meaning sheet metal, which highlights the material commonly used in this art.
  • Tole painting has roots in ancient cultures, but it became popular in Europe, particularly in the 18th century.
  • In English, 'tole' refers specifically to the painted decoration of tin or wood surfaces.

The word 'tole' originates as a nonstandard form of 'told', which is derived from the Old English word 'tellan', meaning 'to count, relate, or recount'. Over time, as English evolved, variations of spelling and pronunciation emerged, particularly in dialectical usage. While 'tole' is frequently encountered in informal speech, it reflects the dynamic nature of language, where spoken forms can diverge from standard written conventions. This phenomenon is common in many languages, where colloquialisms develop in various regions, influenced by cultural and societal factors. Despite its nonstandard status, 'tole' captures how language adapts to the communicative needs of its speakers.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,601 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.