tell
[verb]
Synonyms:
- inform, announce, communicate, disclose, divulge, express, make known, notify, proclaim, reveal, state
- instruct, bid, call upon, command, direct, order, require, summon
- describe, chronicle, depict, narrate, portray, recount, relate, report
- distinguish, differentiate, discern, discriminate, identify
- carry weight, count, have or take effect, make its presence felt, register, take its toll, weigh

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Related Words: communicate, convey, impart, recite, recount, rehearse, relate, acquaint, apprise, inform

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English Thesaurus: advise, give advice, tell, recommend, suggest, ...

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

Tell, William
a Swiss folk hero of the 14th century, who opposed the Austrians who ruled Switzerland. According to a famous story, Tell was ordered by the Austrian governor to use his crossbow to shoot an apple placed on his own son’s head. He succeeded in doing this because of his great skill, and later killed the governor. This encouraged the Swiss people to fight and gain their independence. Tell’s story is told in a well-known opera by Rossini.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

tell S1 W1 /tel/ verb (past tense and past participle told) /təʊld $ toʊld/
[Language: Old English; Origin: tellan]

1. COMMUNICATE SOMETHING [transitive] if someone tells you something, they communicate information, a story, their feelings etc to you
tell somebody (that)
I wish someone had told me the meeting was canceled.
The Chief of Police told reporters that two people were killed in the blast.
tell somebody what/how/where/who etc
Jack had to go, but he didn’t tell me why.
I think you’d better tell me exactly what’s been going on around here.
tell somebody about something
No one had told them about the drug’s side effects.
I’ll tell you all about it when I get back.
tell somebody something
Tell me your phone number again.
tell (somebody) a story/joke/secret/lie
She told us some funny stories about her sister.
Sheppard was telling the truth.
tell somebody straight (=tell someone the truth, even though it might upset them)
Tell me straight, Adam. Just answer yes or no.
► Do not say ‘tell that ...’. Say tell someone that ... or say that ...: She told me (NOT She told) that she was a vegetarian. | She said that she was a vegetarian. ⇒ see Thesaurus box on P.1816

REGISTER
In written English, people often prefer to say that another writer describes something, rather than using tell:
His book describes how the human brain has developed.

2. SHOW SOMETHING [transitive] to give information in ways other than talking
tell somebody how/what/where/who etc
The light tells you when the machine is ready.
The bear’s sense of smell tells it where prey is hiding.
tell somebody about something
What do these fossils tell us about climate change?

3. WHAT SOMEBODY SHOULD DO [transitive] to say that someone must do something
tell somebody (not) to do something
The teacher told the children to sit down quietly.
I thought I told you not to touch anything!
tell somebody (that)
Bernice was told she had to work late this evening.
tell somebody what/how etc
Stop trying to tell me what to do all the time.
Do as you are told (=obey me) and don’t ask questions.

4. KNOW [intransitive, transitive not in progressive] to know something or be able to recognize something because of certain signs that show this
can/can’t tell
She might have been lying. Benjy couldn’t tell.
tell (that)
The moment Kramer walked in, I could tell that things were not going well.
tell (something) a mile off (=know easily)
You could tell a mile off that he was lying.
tell when/how/whether/if etc
It’s hard to tell how long the job will take.
tell something by something/from something
I could tell from his tone of voice that Ken was disappointed.

5. RECOGNIZE DIFFERENCE [transitive not in progressive] to be able to see how one person or thing is different from another
tell something from something
How can you tell a fake Vuitton handbag from the real thing?
Can you tell the difference between sparkling wine and champagne? ⇒ TELL APART

6. tell yourself something to persuade yourself that something is true:
I keep telling myself there is nothing I could have done to save him.

7. WARN [transitive usually in past tense] to warn someone that something bad might happen
tell somebody (that)
I told you it was a waste of time talking to him.
tell somebody (not) to do something
My mother told me not to trust Robert.

8. TELL SOMEBODY ABOUT BAD BEHAVIOUR [intransitive] informal to tell someone in authority about something wrong that someone you know has done – used especially by children Synonym : tell on somebody:
If you hit me, I’ll tell. ⇒ kiss-and-tell

9. tell tales British English to say something that is not true about someone else, in order to cause trouble for them – used especially about children:
an unpopular boy, who was always telling tales on the other children ⇒ telltale²

10. all told altogether, when everyone or everything has been counted:
There must have been eight cars in the accident, all told.

11. AFFECT [intransitive not in progressive] to have an effect on someone, especially a harmful one
tell on somebody
These late nights are really beginning to tell on him.

12. tell the time British English, tell time American English to be able to know what time it is by looking at a clock


SPOKEN PHRASES

13. I/I’ll tell you what (also tell you what)
a) used when you are suggesting or offering something:
I tell you what – let’s have a picnic in the park.
b) American English used in order to emphasize what you are really saying:
I tell you what, I’m not looking forward to standing up in court tomorrow.

14. to tell (you) the truth used to emphasize that you are being very honest:
I don’t really want to go out, to tell the truth.

15. I can tell you/I’m telling you used to emphasize that what you are saying is true even though it may be difficult to believe:
I’m telling you, Sheila, I’ve never seen anything like it in my life.

16. tell me used before asking a question:
Tell me, do you think this dress goes with these shoes?
So tell me, how was it in Argentina?

17. I told you so used when you have warned someone about a possible danger that has now happened and they have ignored your warning:
I suppose you’ve come to say ‘I told you so.’

18. I’ll tell you something/one thing/another thing (also let me tell you something/one thing/another thing) used to emphasize what you are saying:
I’ll tell you one thing – you’ll never get me to vote for him.
Let me tell you something – if I catch you kids smoking again, you’ll be grounded for a month at least.

19. you can tell him from me used to ask someone to tell another person something, when you are annoyed or determined:
Well, you can tell him from me that I’m going to make a complaint.

20. I couldn’t tell you used to tell someone that you do not know the answer to their question:
‘How much would a rail ticket cost?’ ‘ I couldn’t tell you; I always drive.’

21. I can’t tell you
a) used to say that you cannot tell someone something because it is a secret:
‘Where are you taking me?’ ‘I can’t tell you; it would spoil the surprise.’
b) used to say that you cannot express your feelings or describe something properly
I can’t tell you how/why/what etc
I can’t tell you how worried I’ve been.

22. don’t tell me used to interrupt someone because you know what they are going to say or because you want to guess – used especially when you are annoyed:
‘I’m sorry I’m late but ...’ ‘Don’t tell me – the car broke down again?’

23. somebody tells me (that) used to say what someone has told you:
Mike tells me you’ve got a new job.

24. you’re telling me used to emphasize that you already know and agree with something that someone has just said:
‘He’s such a pain to live with.’ ‘You’re telling me!’

25. tell me about it used to say that you already know how bad something is, especially because you have experienced it yourself:
‘I’ve been so tired lately.’ ‘Yeah, tell me about it!’

26. you never can tell/you can never tell used to say that you cannot be certain about what will happen in the future:
The boy might turn out to be a genius. You never can tell.

27. there’s no telling what/how etc used to say that it is impossible to know what has happened or what will happen next:
There’s no telling what she’ll try next.

28. that would be telling used to say that you cannot tell someone something because it is a secret

29. tell somebody where to go/where to get off used to tell someone angrily that what they have said is insulting or unfair:
‘Andy started criticizing the way I was dressed.’ ‘I hope you told him where to get off!’

30. tell it like it is American English to say exactly what you think or what is true, without hiding anything that might upset or offend people:
Don always tells it like it is.

31. I’m not telling (you) used to say that you refuse to tell someone something:
‘Mum, what are you getting me for my birthday?’ ‘I’m not telling you – you’ll have to wait and see.’

32. tell me another (one) used when you do not believe what someone has told you

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

tell
verb
I. give sb information
ADV. bluntly, curtly, flatly She told me bluntly it was my own fault.
gravely | smugly | truthfully | falsely
VERB + TELL want to | be going to I was going to tell you?I just didn't get round to it.
try to | hate to I hate to tell you, but the car's a write-off.
let sb I tried to tell them but they wouldn't let me.
PREP. about I never told him about the money.
of No one had told her of the dangers.
to He told the story to all his friends.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

tell
II. order sb
ADV. firmly, sternly ‘Calm down,’ he told her firmly.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

tell

tell a story/tale
He then told the story of how he was injured while riding his motorcycle.
tell a joke
They sat around telling terrible jokes.
tell somebody a secret
I offered to tell her my secret if she didn’t tell anyone else.
tell a lie
They told lies about us.
tell the truth
‘I’m telling you the truth,’ she persisted.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

tell
verb
1.
BAD: The article tells about the history of Rome.
GOOD: The article is about the history of Rome.
DUBIOUS: The story tells of a princess and a frog.
GOOD: The story is about a princess and a frog.

Usage Note:
You usually say that a book, story, article etc is about a particular subject: 'The novel is about the experiences of a young German soldier during the First World War.'
Tell of is used only in literary styles: 'The poem tells of the deeds of a young Greek soldier during the Trojan War.' Tell about does not exist.

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2.
BAD: He told that he hadn't eaten anything for over a week.
GOOD: He told them that he hadn't eaten anything for over a week.
GOOD: He said that he hadn't eaten anything for over a week.

Usage Note:
tell sb sth (WITH indirect object): 'Jim told me that you've been offered a new job.'
say sth (WITHOUT indirect object): 'Jim said that you've been offered a new job.'

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3.
BAD: John said that he was trying to get to London. 'That's where I'm going,' told the man.
GOOD: John said that he was trying to get to London. 'That's where I'm going,' said the man.

Usage Note:
Say is used with both direct and indirect speech: "'I'm not going,"' he said.' 'He said he wasn't going.'
Tell is used only with indirect speech: 'He told me he wasn't going.'

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4.
BAD: Kiri was always telling about herself and her problems.
GOOD: Kiri was always talking about herself and her problems.

Usage Note:
talk about sth (NOT tell about ): 'Once she felt more relaxed, she began to talk about her real reasons for coming to see me.'
Compare tell sb about sth : 'Did you tell him about the party on Saturday?' 'Don't forget to tell the doctor about your headaches.'

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Common Errors ▲

advise to tell someone what you think they should do, especially when you have more experience or knowledge than they do:
My lawyer advised me to plead guilty.
give advice to advise someone about questions relating to a particular subject:
They give advice to people about loans.
Can I give you some advice?
tell to tell someone what you think they should do, especially in order to avoid problems:
My Dad told me to talk to a teacher if I was being bullied.
I told her not to worry.
recommend to advise someone to do something, especially after careful study of that subject:
Doctors recommend eating five portions of fruit and vegetables each day.
Current guidelines recommend that young babies should sleep on their back.
suggest to tell someone your ideas about what they should do:
I suggested they should visit the cathedral while they’re here.
urge to strongly advise someone to do something:
Police have urged anyone with information about the murder to contact them.

[TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲

explain to give someone the information they need to understand something:
She explained how to use the software.
Doctors usually explain the risks of the treatment to patients.
tell to explain something. People often use tell instead of explain in everyday conversation:
He told me how to get to his house.
The book tells you how to improve your health through diet.
show to explain to someone how to do something by doing it while they watch you:
Ellen showed me how to work the coffee maker.
demonstrate /ˈdemənstreɪt/ to explain to someone how to do something by doing it while they watch you, especially when it is part of your job:
The cabin crew demonstrated the safety procedures to the passengers.
A qualified instructor will demonstrate how to use the equipment properly.
go through something to explain something carefully, especially one step at a time:
Mrs. Riddell went through the homework assignment.
set out something to explain a series of ideas, reasons or opinions in an organized way in writing or in a speech:
In his speech, he intended to set out the party’s policies on education.

[TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲

lawyer someone whose job is to advise people about laws, write formal agreements, or represent people in court:
His lawyer told him to plead guilty.
attorney American English a lawyer. Attorney sounds more formal than lawyer:
‘The United States sees intellectual property rights as sacred,’ said Thomas Klitgaard, an attorney specializing in international law.
Acting on the advice of his attorney, he remained silent throughout the questioning.
solicitor a type of lawyer in Britain who gives legal advice, prepares the documents when property is bought or sold, and defends people, especially in the lower courts of law:
She works as a commercial property solicitor at Nabarro Nathanson in London.
He went to the family solicitor to make a will.
barrister a lawyer in Britain who can argue cases in the higher law courts:
McWalter's barrister, Hugh Vass, stressed his client’s previous good character.
advocate formal a formal word for a lawyer in American English, or a barrister in Scotland:
The committee can put questions to the defendant or his advocate.
brief British English informal the lawyer who represents someone in a court case:
His brief asked for a fine rather than a prison sentence.
counsel [uncountable] the lawyer or group of lawyers who are representing someone in court:
counsel for the defence/prosecution
tell to give someone information by speaking or writing to them:
She wrote to tell me she was getting married.
Can you tell us where the nearest garage is?
let somebody know especially spoken to tell someone something when you know more about it:
Let me know your new address as soon as you can.
Let us know what happens at the interview.
pass a message on to somebody (also pass it on informal) to tell another person the information that has been told to you:
She’s with a client at the moment, but I’ll pass the message on to her.
If I get any news, I’ll pass it on.
relate formal to tell someone about something that happened to you or to someone else:
One girl related a story about a friend who had accidentally become pregnant.
recount formal to tell someone about a series of events:
The guide recounted the history of the castle, from the 1300s onwards.
bring something to sb’s attention to tell someone about something that they did not know about, but which they need to know about:
I wanted to bring the matter to your attention.
She was the first person to study the effects of pesticides, and to bring them to people’s attention.
fill somebody in informal to tell someone about things that have happened recently, especially at work:
Can you fill Robert in on the progress we’ve made while he’s been on holiday?

[TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲

order to tell someone that they must do something, using your official power or authority:
A policeman ordered him to stop.
He ordered his men to put down their weapons.
‘Don’t move,’ he ordered.
tell to say to someone that they must do something:
Stop telling me what to do!
The headmaster told me to wait outside his office.
give orders/instructions to tell someone exactly what they must do:
The police chief gave orders to shoot.
The doctor gave instructions that she should rest as much as possible.
command used about a high-ranking person such as a general, captain, or king ordering someone to do something:
The general commanded the troops to fall back.
They believe that the Lord has commanded them to do this.
instruct formal to tell someone to do something, especially when you tell them exactly how it should be done:
The architect was instructed to keep the plans simple.
She took three tablets every day, as instructed by her doctor.
direct to give someone an official or legal order to do something:
The judge directed the jury to find her not guilty.
subpoena /səˈpiːnə, səb-/ to officially order someone to appear in a court of law in order to answer questions:
Another three of the President’s advisors were subpoenaed.

[TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲

recommend to advise someone to do something, especially when you have special knowledge of a situation or subject:
I would strongly recommend buying a good quality bicycle rather than a cheap one.
The report recommended stricter supervision of the trade in live animals.
tell to tell someone that you think they should do something, especially in order to avoid problems:
We’ve been told that we should start revising early.
I told you not to drink the water here.
urge to strongly advise someone to do something because you think it is very important:
Her doctor has urged her to see a specialist.
Police are urging drivers not to come into London this weekend.
advocate to say publicly that something should be done, often something that a lot of people disagree about:
In 1984, he advocated the use of force against Nicaragua.
I am surprised that dentists don’t advocate the use of fluoride tablets.
endorse to say in an advertisement that you like a product and think that people should use it:
A lot of companies use sports stars to endorse their products.
lawyer someone whose job is to advise people about laws, write formal agreements, or represent people in court:
His lawyer told him to plead guilty.
attorney American English a lawyer. Attorney sounds more formal than lawyer:
‘The United States sees intellectual property rights as sacred,’ said Thomas Klitgaard, an attorney specializing in international law.
Acting on the advice of his attorney, he remained silent throughout the questioning.
solicitor a type of lawyer in Britain who gives legal advice, prepares the documents when property is bought or sold, and defends people, especially in the lower courts of law:
She works as a commercial property solicitor at Nabarro Nathanson in London.
He went to the family solicitor to make a will.
barrister a lawyer in Britain who can argue cases in the higher law courts:
McWalter's barrister, Hugh Vass, stressed his client’s previous good character.
brief British English informal the lawyer who represents someone in a court case:
His brief asked for a fine rather than a prison sentence.
counsel [uncountable] the lawyer or group of lawyers who are representing someone in court:
counsel for the defence/prosecution

[TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲

reveal to let someone know about something that is secret or has not been known until now:
Doctors are not allowed to reveal confidential information.
It was revealed that he had smoked marijuana at college.
tell to talk about something to someone, so that they know about it:
Don’t tell anyone about this just yet.
Shall I tell you a secret?
disclose formal to publicly reveal something such as a fact or a name that has been kept secret:
The terms of the agreement have not yet been disclosed.
The agent did not disclose that there had been a violent crime in the house.
divulge //daɪˈvʌldʒ, də-// formal to reveal important or personal information which was previously secret or unknown:
The bank has refused to divulge its plans.
I’m afraid I cannot divulge what was said to me.
make something public to tell people about important information, especially after it has been kept secret:
Apparently they were engaged for some time before making it public.
The government has agreed that sources of financing should in future be made public.
leak to deliberately give secret information to a newspaper, television company etc, when a government or other organization wants to keep it secret:
The contents of the email were leaked to the press.
A man was charged today with leaking official secrets.
give something away (also spill the beans informal) to tell someone something that you want to keep secret:
He was careful not to give away any trade secrets.
I’m not going to give away how much I paid for it!
let slip informal to accidentally tell someone about something:
He let slip that he was envious of his older brother.

[TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲

tell to give someone information by speaking or writing to them:
She wrote to tell me she was getting married.
Can you tell us where the nearest garage is?
let somebody know especially spoken to tell someone something when you know more about it:
Let me know your new address as soon as you can.
Let us know what happens at the interview.
pass a message on to somebody (also pass it on informal) to tell another person the information that has been told to you:
She’s with a client at the moment, but I’ll pass the message on to her.
If I get any news, I’ll pass it on.
brief to give someone all the necessary information about a situation, so that they can do their work:
Police officers were briefed before going out to arrest the suspects.
relate formal to tell someone about something that happened to you or to someone else:
One girl related a story about a friend who had accidentally become pregnant.
recount formal to tell someone about a series of events:
The guide recounted the history of the castle, from the 1300s onwards.
bring something to sb’s attention to tell someone about something that they did not know about, but which they need to know about:
I wanted to bring the matter to your attention.
She was the first person to study the effects of pesticides, and to bring them to people’s attention.
fill somebody in informal to tell someone about things that have happened recently, especially at work:
Can you fill Robert in on the progress we’ve made while he’s been on holiday?
inform to officially tell someone about something:
Do you think we ought to inform the police?
Doctors should inform patients about the possible side effects of any drugs they prescribe.
announce to tell people publicly and officially about something:
The university chancellor announced his resignation on Friday.
It was announced that the company had made a profit of $6 billion.
report to officially tell someone about something that has happened:
She was able to report that the project was nearly finished.
notify formal to tell someone officially about something that has happened or that is planned to happen:
Staff were notified several months in advance that they would be losing their jobs.

[TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲

tell
tel
See: do tell , i'll say or i tell you , i'll tell you what , i'm telling you , you're telling me , you tell 'em

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲