tell
This word carries a sense of direct transmission and authority. It is more active than say; while saying focuses on the words spoken, telling focuses on the delivery of a message or the imparting of knowledge to a specific recipient. It often implies a directional flow of information from a source to a target.
In social contexts, it frequently appears in the context of revelation or confession, such as telling a lie or telling the truth. It also functions as a tool for discernment, where the ability to tell something apart suggests a keen eye for detail or an intuitive understanding of a situation.
Meanings
Examples
Please tell me the truth about what happened last night.
I can tell by the look on her face that she is lying.
The doctor told me to stay in bed for a week.
Just tell him that I will be late for the meeting.
I could tell that he was falling in love with me.
Tell the children to stop running in the hallway.
She told a fascinating story about her travels in Asia.
It is hard to tell which one is the original painting.
I will tell you everything once we are safe.
Phrasal Verbs
tell off
to speak angrily to someone because they have done something wrong
The teacher told him off for talking during the exam.
tell on
to report someone's bad behavior to an authority figure
I am going to tell on you if you don't stop stealing my pens.
tell apart
to recognize the difference between two similar things or people
The twins look so much alike that I cannot tell them apart.