Langimage
English

telling

|tell/ing|

B2

/ˈtɛlɪŋ/

(tell)

communicate information

Base FormPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleAdjective
telltellstellstoldtoldtellingtelling
Etymology
Etymology Information

'telling' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'tellan,' where 'tellan' meant 'to count or recount.'

Historical Evolution

'tellan' transformed into the Middle English word 'tellen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'tell.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to count or recount,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to narrate or inform.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

present participle of 'tell'.

She is telling a story to the children.

Synonyms

Adjective 1

having a striking or revealing effect; significant.

The telling argument convinced everyone.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41