IPA: /tɛl/
KK: /tɛl/
To communicate information or express something, often by speaking or revealing something.
She decided to tell the truth about what happened.
Past: told
Past Participle: told
A mound created from the remains of ancient settlements, often found in the Middle East.
The archaeologists discovered a tell that revealed layers of history beneath the surface.
To communicate information or a story to someone; to inform or instruct someone about something.
She will tell us about her trip to Europe.
Past: told
Past Participle: told
The word 'tell' originates from Old English 'tellan', meaning to count or relate. It is related to the Proto-Germanic '*talōną', which also means to count or recount. The word 'tell' means to relate information or narrate something.
Think of 'telling' as 'relating' or 'counting' a story or information to someone.