tell
Translation
to tell, to say, to instruct, to distinguish
Examples
Please tell me your name.
Please tell me your name.
She told him to be quiet.
She told him to be quiet.
I can't tell the difference.
I can't tell the difference.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) ((sth.)) to tell (sb.) (sth.) He told me a secret.
((sb.)) ((to-inf)) to tell (sb.) to do (sth.) She told him to leave.
((A)) ((from B)) to tell (A) from (B) Can you tell the twins apart?
Similar Words
Synonyms: say, inform, narrate; Antonyms: ask, listen
Etymology
From Old English 'tellan' meaning 'to reckon, relate'. The idea is of 'recounting' a story.
Memory Tips
Remember the phrase 'tell a tale'. Also, you use a 'tele'phone to 'tell' someone something.