Basic Details
Word: Tell
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To communicate information, facts, or feelings to someone in spoken or written words.
Synonyms: Inform, notify, disclose, reveal
Antonyms: Conceal, hide, withhold
Idioms and Phrases
- Tell it like it is: To speak honestly and directly. Example: "She always tells it like it is, even if it's uncomfortable."
- Can't tell the difference: Unable to distinguish between two things. Example: "I can't tell the difference between the two paintings."
- Tell tales: To gossip or reveal secrets. Example: "He always tells tales about what happens in the office."
Usage Examples
Example 1: Please tell me the truth about what happened yesterday.
Example 2: She told a funny story that made everyone laugh.
Example 3: He couldn't tell if she was joking or serious.
Fun Fact
The word "tell" comes from the Old English word "tellan," meaning "to count, recount, relate." It originally referred to counting or narrating numbers or events.
Famous Quote
"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." - Benjamin Franklin
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "tell" mean?
a) To hide information
b) To communicate information
c) To run fast
d) To paint pictures
Answer: b) To communicate information
2. Which of these is a synonym of "tell"?
a) Conceal
b) Inform
c) Ignore
d) Forget
Answer: b) Inform
3. Which is an antonym of "tell"?
a) Reveal
b) Disclose
c) Hide
d) Notify
Answer: c) Hide
4. Which sentence uses "tell" correctly?
a) He told me a fascinating story about his travels.
b) She told to dance in the morning.
c) They told quickly in the room.
d) I told on the sky yesterday.
Answer: a) He told me a fascinating story about his travels.
5. What does the idiom "tell it like it is" mean?
a) To exaggerate the truth
b) To lie politely
c) To speak honestly and directly
d) To tell a story with details
Answer: c) To speak honestly and directly
