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tell

Elementary (A2)

IPA: /tɛl/

KK: /tɛl/

intransitive verb
Definition

To communicate information or express something, often by speaking or revealing something.


Example

She decided to tell the truth about what happened.


Tense Forms

Past: told

Past Participle: told


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear about the game last night?
Sloth B
Yeah, I did! It was intense.
Sloth A
I know! Every move really tells a story in that match.
Sloth B
Exactly! You can see the strategy unfold with each play.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
inform
reveal
disclose
Antonyms
conceal
withhold
suppress
noun
Definition

A mound created from the remains of ancient settlements, often found in the Middle East.


Example

The archaeologists discovered a tell that revealed layers of history beneath the surface.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear about that poker game last night?
Sloth B
Yeah, I heard someone had a really obvious tell.
Sloth A
That's interesting! What was it?
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To communicate information or a story to someone; to inform or instruct someone about something.


Example

She will tell us about her trip to Europe.


Tense Forms

Past: told

Past Participle: told


Conversation
Sloth A
Can you tell me what happened at the party last night?
Sloth B
Sure! It was really fun, but a bit chaotic.
Sloth A
I wish I could have gone! Did anyone tell any funny stories?
Sloth B
Root Explanation

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.

Memory Tip

Think of 'telling' as 'relating' or 'counting' a story or information to someone.

Visually Confused Words
stell
ell
untell
theyll
telial
tavell
stella
retell
Is this page helpful?
Apparently, they kept fidgeting every time they had a good hand.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
mound
hill
tumulus
Antonyms
valley
depression
plain
Oh yes, especially about the karaoke! It was hilarious.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
inform
narrate
reveal
Antonyms
conceal
withhold
mislead