¹tell

verb \ˈtel\

: to say or write (something) to (someone)

: to say (a word or words) to (someone)

: to give information to (someone) by speaking or writing

told \ˈtōld\ tell·ing

Full Definition of TELL

transitive verb

: count, enumerate <tell the stars, if thou be able to number them — Genesis 15:5(Authorized Version)>

a : to relate in detail : narrate <told the whole story to us>

b : to give utterance to : say <could never tell a lie>

a : to make known : divulge, reveal <don't tell your password>

b : to express in words <she never told her love — Shakespeare>

a : to give information to : inform <tell us about your job>

b : to assure emphatically <they did not do it, I tell you>

: order, direct <told me to wait>

: to find out by observing : recognize <you can tell it's a masterpiece>

intransitive verb

: to give an account <an article telling of her experience>

: to act as an informer —often used with on <I'll get even with you if you ever tell on me — Inside Detective>

: to have a marked effect <the pressure was beginning to tell on him>

: to serve as evidence or indication

See tell defined for English-language learners

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Origin of TELL

Middle English, from Old English tellan; akin to Old High German zellen to count, tell, Old English talu tale

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to TELL

Synonyms: chart, chronicle, describe, narrate, recite, recount, rehearse, relate, report, set forth

Antonyms: mind, obey

Synonym Discussion of TELL

reveal, disclose, divulge, tell, betray mean to make known what has been or should be concealed. reveal may apply to supernatural or inspired revelation of truths beyond the range of ordinary human vision or reason <divine will as revealed in sacred writings>. disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret <candidates must disclose their financial assets>. divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence <refused to divulge an anonymous source>. tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information <told them what he had overheard>. betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure <a blush that betrayed her embarrassment>.