tell (A1)

verb

Pronunciation: /tɛl/

Definition

To say something to another person, especially to give them information.

Examples

• Can you tell me the way to the station?

• He told me a funny story yesterday.

• She will tell you the truth.

How to Use tell

tell someone something (prepositional phrase)

To give information to a person. — "I will tell you the news."

tell someone to do something (prepositional phrase)

To instruct or command a person. — "The boss told me to finish the report."

tell the difference (collocation)

To recognize or understand how two things are not the same. — "It's hard to tell the difference between the twins."

tell apart (phrasal verb)

To distinguish between two or more things. — "The two cats look so similar, it's hard to tell them apart."

Synonyms of tell

Words with a similar meaning to tell:

• say
• speak
• inform
• narrate

Antonyms of tell

Words with the opposite meaning to tell:

• listen
• ask

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