Definition

Having a strong impact or revealing important information.

Example

The telling details in her story made everyone listen closely.

Conversation

Did you see that documentary last night?

Yeah, it was really telling about the issues we face today.

I know! The statistics they shared were pretty shocking.

Absolutely, it definitely opened my eyes to a lot of things.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Telling → It is formed from "tell" (from Old English *tellan*, meaning to count, relate, or narrate) and the suffix "-ing" (indicating the action or process of). The word "telling" refers to the action of narrating or recounting something.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old English word for counting or relating stories — that's what telling means, the action of sharing or narrating.

Visually Confused Words