What is tell?

  • (verb): Give instructions to or direct somebody to do something with authority.
    Synonyms: order, enjoin, say
    See also — Additional definitions below

Tell

A tell or tel, (from Hebrew: תֵּל, Arabic: تلّ‎, tall) is a type of archaeological mound created by human occupation and abandonment of a geographical site over many centuries. A classic tell looks like a low, truncated cone with a flat top and sloping sides.

Read more about Tell.

More definitions of "tell":

  • (verb): Express in words.
    Example: "Tell me what is bothering you"
    Synonyms: state, say
  • (verb): Inform positively and with certainty and confidence.
    Example: "I tell you that man is a crook!"
    Synonyms: assure
  • (noun): A Swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer; according to legend an Austrian governor compelled him to shoot an apple from his son's head with his crossbow (which he did successfully without mishap).
    Synonyms: William Tell
  • (verb): Let something be known.
    Example: "Tell them that you will be late"
  • (verb): Give evidence.
    Synonyms: evidence
  • (verb): Narrate or give a detailed account of.
    Example: "Tell what happened"
    Synonyms: narrate, recount, recite
  • (verb): Discern or comprehend.
    Example: "He could tell that she was unhappy"