Definitions for tell

Definitions for (noun) tell

Main entry: Tell, William Tell

Definition: 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)


Definitions for (verb) tell

Main entry: tell, tell apart, differentiate, distinguish, secern, secernate, separate, severalise, severalize

Definition: mark as different

Usage: We distinguish several kinds of maple


Main entry: tell

Definition: discern or comprehend

Usage: He could tell that she was unhappy


Main entry: enjoin, say, order, tell

Definition: give instructions to or direct somebody to do something with authority

Usage: I said to him to go home; She ordered him to do the shopping; The mother told the child to get dressed


Main entry: tell

Definition: let something be known

Usage: Tell them that you will be late


Main entry: recite, recount, narrate, tell

Definition: narrate or give a detailed account of

Usage: Tell what happened; The father told a story to his child


Main entry: tell, evidence

Definition: give evidence

Usage: he was telling on all his former colleague


Main entry: tell, say, state

Definition: express in words

Usage: He said that he wanted to marry her; tell me what is bothering you; state your opinion; state your name


Main entry: tell, assure

Definition: inform positively and with certainty and confidence

Usage: I tell you that man is a crook!


Visual thesaurus for tell