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telling
IPA:
Dictionary definition of telling
Revealing or indicating important information or insights.
"The boss's dismissive tone was telling of his dissatisfaction with the team's performance."
Detailed meaning of telling
It suggests that there is significance or meaning conveyed through the item or action being described. When applied to a situation, event, or behavior, "telling" implies that it provides valuable clues or evidence about a person's character, intentions, or the underlying truth of a matter. It often implies that the information conveyed is clear, compelling, or revealing in a way that cannot be easily dismissed or ignored. Overall, the term "telling" emphasizes the power of communication or expression in conveying important messages or truths.
Example sentences containing telling
1. The detective found a telling clue at the crime scene, leading him closer to the identity of the culprit.
2. Her telling gesture of placing her hand over her heart showed her sincerity and deep affection.
3. The painting's colors and composition were telling of the artist's emotional state at the time.
4. The politician's choice of words during the debate was telling of his true intentions and agenda.
5. The children's expressions were telling, revealing their excitement and anticipation for the surprise.
6. The cracks in the foundation were telling signs of the building's structural problems.
History and etymology of telling
The adjective 'telling' has its etymological origins in the Old English word 'tellan,' which means 'to count' or 'to narrate.' Over time, it evolved to signify an action or situation that reveals or indicates important information or insights. The term 'telling' aptly captures the idea that certain actions, words, or events can convey significant meaning or provide valuable insights, much like a well-told narrative or a tally of events can reveal a story or truth. 'Telling' highlights the capacity of something to communicate a message, often implicitly, and underscores its power to shed light on the underlying reality or significance of a situation.
Further usage examples of telling
1. The journalist's investigative report provided telling evidence of corruption within the company.
2. The student's body language was telling of her anxiety before the exam.
3. The protagonist's telling silence spoke volumes about his guilt in the crime.
4. The old, tattered photo was a telling reminder of the cherished memories that had been made.
5. The hesitant pause in her voice was telling of the secret she was about to reveal.
6. Her telling expression hinted at her true feelings.
7. The detective noticed a telling clue at the crime scene.
8. A telling moment in the movie left the audience in awe.
9. His telling silence spoke volumes about his discomfort.
10. The data provided some telling insights into the market.
11. Her telling response revealed her deep knowledge.
12. The witness's telling testimony swayed the jury.
13. The painting had a telling effect on those who viewed it.
14. The politician's telling remarks stirred controversy.
15. The documentary contained some telling interviews.
16. A telling quote from the book stuck with me.
17. His telling gesture conveyed his heartfelt gratitude.
18. The photograph captured a telling snapshot of history.
19. The graph showed some telling trends in consumer behavior.
20. The playwright used a telling metaphor in her play.
21. The research findings were filled with telling statistics.
22. Her telling performance in the play earned rave reviews.
23. A telling anecdote illustrated the point perfectly.
24. The poem contained a telling reflection on life's mysteries.
25. The teacher's telling question sparked a lively discussion.
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Insight and Intrigue, Nuance and Precision, Clarify and Elucidate, Acumen and Insight
compelling,conclusive,indicative,insightful,significant,suggestive
conveying,disclosing,illuminating,informative,meaningful,revealing
Synonyms for telling
Quiz categories containing telling
revealing, uninformative, misleading, deceptive
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