Tell — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈtel/

Meaning & Definition of Tell

Tell (verb)

  1. to relate in detail, narrate
  2. to give utterance to, say
  3. to make known, divulge, reveal

Tell (noun)

  1. an inadvertent behavior or mannerism that betrays a poker player's true thoughts, intentions, or emotions
  2. a revealing gesture, expression, etc., that is likened to a poker player's tell; broadly, sign, indication
  3. hill, mound; specifically, an ancient mound in the Middle East composed of remains of successive settlements

Word Forms of Tell

Inflections: told, telling, tells

Origin & Etymology 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 centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Tell

Words & Phrases Containing Tell

tell-all, tell off, tell a different story, tell against, tell apart

Frequently Asked Questions about Tell

What does "Tell" mean?

"Tell" means to relate in detail, narrate. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to relate in detail, narrate. It has 6 distinct senses.

Is "Tell" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Tell" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Tell" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Tell" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Tell"?

"Tell" is pronounced /ˈtel/.

What is the origin of the word "Tell"?

"Tell" comes from Middle English, from Old English tellan; akin to Old High German zellen to count, tell, Old English talu tale. First known use: before 12th centuryt.

What does "Tell" mean as a verb?

As a verb, "Tell" means: to relate in detail, narrate; to give utterance to, say; to make known, divulge, reveal.

What does "Tell" mean as a noun?

As a noun, "Tell" means: an inadvertent behavior or mannerism that betrays a poker player's true thoughts, intentions, or emotions; a revealing gesture, expression, etc., that is likened to a poker player's tell; broadly, sign, indication; hill, mound; specifically, an ancient mound in the Middle East composed of remains of successive settlements.

What CEFR level is "Tell"?

"Tell" is an A1-level word in SophDict's CEFR vocabulary lists, which group English words from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient).