tell

verb (SPEAK)

/tel/ (told, told)

Definition

A1 [T] to say something to someone, often giving them information or instructions: Tell me about your holiday then. [+ two objects] Can you tell me the way to the station? [+ obj + (that) ] Did you tell anyone (that) you were coming to see me? [+ obj + speech ] "I'm leaving you," she told him. [+ obj + to infinitive ] I told her to go home.formal He told us of his extraordinary childhood. I can't tell you how grateful I am for your help.Announcing, informing and stating tell a lie/lies › to say something/things that are not true: She's always telling lies.Lies, lying and hypocrisyDishonest people tell it like it is informal › to tell the facts without hiding anythingBlunt and direct in speech and behaviourNot saying muchNot being friendly tell tales disapproving › If someone, usually a child, tells tales, they tell someone such as a teacher about something bad that someone else has done: Your classmates won't trust you if you're always telling tales, Alvin. → See also telltaleRevealing secrets and becoming known tell the truth › to speak honestly: How do you know she's telling the truth?Honesty, openness and sincerity to tell (you) the truth › to be honest: To tell (you) the truth, I didn't understand a word of what he was saying.Honesty, openness and sincerity

(Definition of tell verb (SPEAK) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

Browse related topics

You are looking at an entry to do with Announcing, informing & stating, but you might be interested in these topics from the Communication topic area: