tell
13 synonyms and 1 antonyms for tell, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To give someone information by speaking or writing; to say something to someone.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use tell
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English tellan, "to count, tell," from a Germanic root meaning "to count, enumerate" — the same root that gives us "tale" and "talk."
Full origin of tell →Frequently asked questions
What does “tell” mean?
The word “tell” means to give someone information by speaking or writing; to say something to someone. In plain terms, to pass on information by speaking, to order someone, or to work something out from clues — one of the most basic everyday verbs in English.
How do you pronounce “tell”?
“Tell” is pronounced tehl (/tɛl/ in IPA).
How do you use “tell” in a sentence?
Here is “tell” used in a sentence: “Can you tell me how to get to the station?”
What is another word for “tell”?
Words with a similar meaning to “tell” include number, apprise, make known, tattle and snitch.
What is the opposite of “tell”?
The opposite of “tell” — its antonyms — is ask.
What part of speech is “tell”?
“Tell” is a verb.
Where does the word “tell” come from?
The word “tell” comes from Old English. From Old English tellan, "to count, tell," from a Germanic root meaning "to count, enumerate" — the same root that gives us "tale" and "talk.".
Is “tell” a common word?
“Tell” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between 'tell' and 'say'?
'Tell' needs a listener as its object, so you tell someone something: 'She told me the news.' 'Say' focuses on the words and does not need a named listener: 'She said the news,' or 'said to me.' A useful rule is to tell a person, but say a thing.
Can you say 'tell to someone'?
No. 'Tell' takes the person directly, with no 'to', so say 'tell me,' not 'tell to me.' The preposition 'to' belongs with 'say': 'she said it to me.' Mixing them up is one of the most common errors for English learners.
What is the past tense of 'tell'?
The past tense and past participle are both 'told': 'he told us yesterday,' 'I have told you before.' It is an irregular verb, so there is no 'telled.' The spelling shifts from 'tell' to 'told,' changing the vowel sound as well.
What is the difference between 'tell' and 'speak' or 'talk'?
'Tell' conveys specific information to a listener, such as a fact, story, or instruction. 'Speak' and 'talk' describe the act of using the voice or having a conversation, without pinning down the content. You tell someone the time, but you talk with them about the weather.