tell
v. · n.-
1 to give information (v.) A1 Beginnerto give information to someone by speaking or writing.
to communicate information, facts, or news to someone. Often used in a ditransitive structure with an indirect object.
ExampleCan you tell me what time the train leaves?
ExampleThe witness was asked to tell the court exactly what he had seen on the night of the incident.
PitfallHe told to me the secret.He told me the secret.Unlike 'say' or 'speak', 'tell' is followed directly by the person you are talking to without the word 'to'.
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2 to give an order (v.) A2 Elementaryto order or instruct someone to do something.
to instruct or command someone to perform an action. Usually followed by an object and a to-infinitive.
ExampleThe teacher told the students to sit down and be quiet.
ExampleThe doctor told her to avoid heavy lifting until the injury had fully healed.
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3 to notice a difference (v.) B1 Intermediateto be able to see or know the difference between two things.
to distinguish or discern between different things or people. Often used with 'can' or 'could'.
ExampleThe twins look so similar that I can never tell them apart.
ExampleIt was difficult to tell whether the painting was an original or a very high-quality reproduction.
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4 to reveal a secret (v.) B1 Intermediate Informalto tell someone a secret that you were supposed to keep.
to disclose confidential information or report someone's misconduct. Often used intransitively in informal contexts.
ExampleI promised not to tell, but I think he needs to know the truth.
ExampleThe child threatened to tell on his sister after she broke their mother's favorite vase.
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5 a revealing sign (n.) C1 Advanced Informala small action or sign that shows what someone is really thinking or feeling.
an unconscious action or behavior that reveals a person's true feelings or intentions, especially when they are trying to deceive.
ExampleHis nervous tapping on the table was a clear tell that he was lying.
ExampleProfessional poker players spend years learning to hide any physical tell that might reveal the strength of their hand.
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6 archaeological mound (n.) C2 Proficiency Technical Sciencea hill made of the remains of ancient buildings and towns.
an artificial mound formed by the accumulated remains of ancient settlements, common in Middle Eastern archaeology.
ExampleThe archaeologists began digging at the base of the ancient tell.
ExampleExcavations at the tell revealed several distinct layers of habitation dating back to the Bronze Age.