WordLens

tell

1 of 1verb
/tɛl/
Forms:tells,telling,told,told
1

to use words and give someone information

A2transitive
  • Did he tell you about the new project?
  • She told her family about her exciting job offer.
  • She told her friend about the new restaurant in town.
  • Why wasn't I told about the change in schedule?
  • Can you tell me about your vacation?
Synonyms:
statesay
2

to realize or determine with confidence

transitive
  • 'He's definitely not from around here.''How can you tell?'
  • From what I can tell, the weather is going to be nice this weekend.
  • I'm not sure if she's joking or being serious.It's hard to tell.
  • You can tell he's angry from the way he's clenching his fists.
3

to have an effect that is noticeable, particularly a harmful one

  • He's been neglecting his health lately and it's starting to tell.
  • The harsh winter is starting to tell on the condition of the roads.
  • The lack of sleep is starting to tell on his performance at work.
  • The pressure began to tell as the audience grew more restless during the performance.