tell

Definitions

1. verb

   To say something to someone.

   Examples

   • Someone finally told him the truth.
   • Tell her you are here.
2. verb

   To let someone know something.

   Examples

   • Please tell me how to do it.
   • Why did you not tell me she was your wife?
   ≈advise
3. verb

   To order someone to do something.

   Examples

   • Tell him to go away.
   • She told him to stop.
4. verb

   To share a story.

   Examples

   • I want to tell you a story.
   • There is so much to tell you.
   ≈narrate≈recount≈relate
5. verb

   To notice or see something.

   Examples

   • I can tell that you are thrilled.
   • You can tell you've struck a nerve.
6. verb

   To see the difference between things.

   Examples

   • An expert can tell an original from a fake.
   • Can you tell if those flowers are real?
7. verb

   To report bad behavior to someone in charge.

   Examples

   • I saw you take those sweets! I am telling!
   • Do not make me tell the teacher what you did.
   ≈tell on≈grass up
8. verb

   To count or measure something.

   Examples

   • All told, there were over a dozen.
   • Can you tell the time on a clock?
   ≈count≈reckon≈enumerate≈count
9. verb

   To count prayer beads while praying.

   Examples

   • She told her rosary quietly before bed.
   • The monk sat telling his beads.
10. verb

    In writing, to state facts instead of showing them.

    Examples

    • Maria rewrote her novel with less telling and more showing.
    • New writers often tell too much instead of showing.