What is telling? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of telling

tellingadjective
nói
/ˈtelɪŋ//ˈtelɪŋ/

Where does the word telling come from?

The word "telling" stems from the Old English word "tellan," meaning "to count, reckon, or narrate." This word itself traces back to the Proto-Germanic word "taljan," which also meant "to count." Over time, "tellan" evolved into the Middle English "tellen," which retained the meaning of "to speak" and "to narrate." "Telling" then developed as the present participle of "tell," emphasizing the act of communication and narrative.

Vocabulary summary telling

type adjective

meaning strong, effective, appropriate, resolute

example a telling shot: a successful shot

example a telling argument

example a telling blow

Example of vocabulary tellingnamespace

having a strong or important effect; effective

a telling argument
Although he didn’t score a goal, Tevez made a telling contribution to the game.
These are telling points, but the argument is by no means over.
The weather forecast is telling us that it will rain heavily tomorrow.
My grandmother kept telling me stories about her childhood that I had never heard before.

showing effectively what somebody/something is really like, but often without intending to