The meaning of TELL is to relate in detail : narrate. How to use tell in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Tell.

We use tell with an indirect object and a to-infinitive to report a command or an instruction.

Define tell. tell synonyms, tell pronunciation, tell translation, English dictionary definition of tell. v. told , tell·ing , tells v. tr. 1. a. To communicate by speech or writing; express with words: She told him that …

Discover everything about the word "TELL" in English: meanings, translations, synonyms, pronunciations, examples, and grammar insights - all in one comprehensive guide.

to give an account or report: Tell me about your trip. to give evidence or be an indication: The ruined temples told of an ancient culture, long since passed from existence.

To tell is to describe or announce something, either by speaking or writing. If you're going to be late to a movie, you should tell your friends so they can save you a seat.

Mar 17, 2026 · (transitive or intransitive) To notice, discern. (Roughly, "can tell" means "know" but with a sense of direct perception.)

The resultant compositions sang so naturally that I doubt if any listener, lacking the mentions in this note, could tell which came first—the words or the music.

tell or say? Say is used to report the words that someone spoke. Tell is used to report an act of communication between people. The emphasis with say is on words. The emphasis with tell is on …

To tell is to describe or announce something, either by speaking or writing. If you're going to be late to a movie, you should tell your friends so they can save you a seat.