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B1 adjective #47 가장 일반적인 12분 분량

telling

상위 47

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 telling 30초 만에

설명 telling in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn 'tell' as a verb, like 'tell a story' or 'tell the time.' The adjective 'telling' is a bit more advanced, but you can understand it simply as 'showing something important.' Imagine a person who is very quiet. Their silence is 'telling' because it shows they are sad or angry without them saying a word. At this level, think of 'telling' as 'giving a secret message.' For example, if a child hides their face, it is a telling sign they are shy. You don't need to use this word often yet, but when you see it, just remember it means 'this small thing shows a big truth.'

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At the A2 level, you can start to use 'telling' to describe signs and reactions. It is a step up from just saying 'important.' When you see a 'telling sign,' it means that sign explains what is really happening. For example, 'The empty fridge was a telling sign that he hadn't been home.' This is more interesting than saying 'The fridge was empty, so he was not home.' It connects the observation to a conclusion. You might hear this in simple stories or news reports. It helps you describe people's feelings and situations more clearly by focusing on the details that reveal the truth.

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At the B1 level, 'telling' becomes a very useful tool for analysis and discussion. You can use it to talk about social situations, news, and movies. The common structure 'It is telling that...' is perfect for your essays and speaking exams. It allows you to point out a fact and explain why it matters. For example, 'It is telling that the hero never smiles in the movie.' This shows you are thinking deeply about the story. You are moving beyond just describing what happened to explaining what it *means*. This word helps you sound more fluent and observant in your English conversations.

At the B2 level, you should use 'telling' to add nuance to your arguments. It is particularly effective in formal writing and debates. You can distinguish between 'telling details' and 'telling blows.' A 'telling detail' reveals character or hidden motives, while a 'telling blow' describes something that has a strong, decisive effect. You should also be comfortable using the adverb 'tellingly' to start sentences. For example, 'Tellingly, the company ignored the complaints for months.' This adds a layer of critical analysis to your work. You are not just reporting facts; you are interpreting them for your audience.

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At the C1 level, 'telling' is an essential part of your academic and professional vocabulary. You should use it to describe subtle indicators in complex systems, such as economics, politics, or psychology. It implies a high level of perception. You might discuss 'telling inconsistencies' in a legal case or 'telling shifts' in public opinion. At this level, you understand that 'telling' often refers to unintentional revelations—the things people *don't* mean to show. Using this word correctly demonstrates that you can read between the lines and understand the subtext of communication and behavior in a sophisticated way.

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At the C2 level, you use 'telling' with complete precision and stylistic flair. You recognize its power in literary analysis and high-level rhetoric. You might use it to describe the 'telling economy' of a poet's language or the 'telling absence' of a key figure in a historical event. You understand the word's etymological roots and how it relates to the concept of 'accounting' or 'reckoning.' In your own writing, 'telling' serves as a sharp tool for social commentary, allowing you to highlight the profound implications of seemingly minor occurrences with elegance and authority.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

telling 30초 만에

The adjective 'telling' describes something that reveals a significant truth or hidden fact, often unintentionally, providing deep insight into a situation.
It is commonly used in phrases like 'a telling sign' or 'it is telling that...' to highlight evidence that supports a specific conclusion.
Beyond revealing truth, it can also mean 'having a decisive effect,' such as a 'telling blow' in a physical or metaphorical contest.
It is a key word for analytical thinking, helping speakers and writers move from simple description to meaningful interpretation of details.

The adjective telling is a sophisticated yet accessible word used to describe something that reveals a significant, often hidden, truth. While the verb 'to tell' simply refers to the act of communicating information, the adjective form carries a much heavier weight. It suggests that a specific detail, action, or event serves as a powerful piece of evidence that exposes the underlying reality of a situation. When we say a detail is 'telling,' we are essentially saying that it 'speaks volumes' without needing a lengthy explanation. It is the 'smoking gun' of social observation or analytical reasoning.

The Nuance of Unintentionality: Often, a 'telling' moment is one that the person involved did not intend to be revealing. For example, a politician’s brief hesitation before answering a question might be more telling than the actual answer they eventually provide. The hesitation reveals a lack of confidence or a need to calculate a deceptive response.

The fact that he refused to look her in the eye was telling, suggesting he was hiding something important.

In professional contexts, 'telling' is frequently used in analysis. A financial analyst might point to a 'telling decline' in research and development spending as a sign that a company is struggling to innovate. Here, the word elevates the observation from a mere statistic to a meaningful symptom of a larger problem. It implies that the observer has the insight to see beyond the surface level. This word is a favorite in journalism, literary criticism, and psychological profiling because it bridges the gap between raw data and meaningful interpretation.

Effectiveness and Impact: In a slightly different but related sense, 'telling' can also mean 'having a marked effect' or being 'strikingly effective.' A 'telling blow' in a boxing match or a 'telling argument' in a debate is one that produces a decisive result. It hits the mark so accurately that it changes the course of the event.

The lawyer delivered a telling argument that left the prosecution with no room for rebuttal.

Culturally, we value the ability to spot 'telling' signs. In relationships, a partner's 'telling' change in habits might signal a shift in their feelings. In literature, authors use 'telling details' to build character without explicit description—a character who constantly polishes their shoes might be 'tellingly' obsessed with status or order. This usage aligns with the 'Show, Don't Tell' rule of writing, where the 'telling' detail does the work of showing the reader the truth.

Social Contexts: When people use this word in conversation, they are often inviting the listener to agree with their interpretation. Saying 'It was telling that they didn't invite him' suggests that the omission was a deliberate social snub, even if no one said so out loud. It creates a sense of shared insight between the speaker and the listener.

It is telling that the company's CEO resigned just days before the audit results were released.

Her reaction to the news was quite telling; she didn't seem surprised at all.

The most telling piece of evidence was the timestamp on the email.

In summary, 'telling' is a powerful adjective for anyone looking to describe the deeper meaning behind observations. It suggests a level of critical thinking and an ability to read between the lines, making it an essential word for B1 learners and above to master for both academic and social fluency.

Using 'telling' correctly requires understanding its grammatical placement and the specific structures it usually inhabits. It primarily functions as an attributive adjective (before a noun) or a predicative adjective (after a linking verb like 'be' or 'seem').

The 'It is telling that...' Structure: This is perhaps the most common way to use the word in formal writing and speech. It introduces a fact and immediately frames it as significant evidence for a broader conclusion. For example: 'It is telling that no one from the original team remains at the company.' This structure places the emphasis on the implication of the fact rather than the fact itself.

It is telling that the author chose to end the book on such a somber note.

When used before a noun, 'telling' often pairs with words like 'sign,' 'detail,' 'moment,' 'example,' or 'comment.' These collocations help specify what exactly is doing the 'revealing.' A 'telling sign' is a symptom of a larger condition. A 'telling detail' is a small part of a story or description that reveals the essence of a character or setting.

Comparison with 'Revealing': While 'revealing' and 'telling' are synonyms, 'telling' often implies a more profound or decisive revelation. A dress might be 'revealing' (showing skin), but a comment is 'telling' (showing character). 'Telling' suggests a logical conclusion can be drawn from the evidence.

The most telling sign of the economy's health is the consumer confidence index.

In negative constructions, we often use 'not very telling' to describe evidence that is inconclusive or doesn't reveal much. 'The interview was not very telling because the candidate gave very rehearsed answers.' This usage highlights that the 'telling' quality is something we actively look for when trying to understand a situation.

Adverbial Form: Tellingly: The adverb 'tellingly' is used to modify verbs or entire sentences to indicate that an action is significant. 'Tellingly, he avoided mentioning his former partner during the speech.' This functions as a sentence adverb, setting the tone for the observation that follows.

He tellingly paused before answering the question about his whereabouts.

The second witness gave a much more telling account of the incident.

It was a telling moment for the young athlete when she finally beat her mentor.

To master 'telling,' try to identify 'tells' in your daily life. When you see a small action that reveals a big truth, describe it using this word. This practice will help you move beyond basic adjectives like 'important' or 'clear' and add a layer of analytical depth to your English communication.

The word 'telling' is a staple in high-level discourse, particularly in fields that require the interpretation of behavior, data, or events. You will encounter it frequently in news analysis, political commentary, psychological discussions, and literary reviews.

Journalism and News Analysis: Journalists use 'telling' to point out inconsistencies or significant developments. A headline might read, 'The Telling Silence of the White House on the Recent Scandal.' Here, the word 'telling' suggests that the lack of comment is itself a form of communication—a sign of guilt, confusion, or strategic retreat.

In a telling move, the prime minister reshuffled the cabinet just weeks before the election.

In the world of sports, commentators use 'telling' to describe physical signs of fatigue or psychological shifts. If a tennis player starts double-faulting at a crucial moment, a commentator might say, 'That's a telling sign of the pressure she's under.' It indicates that the player's internal state is being revealed through their external performance.

Psychology and Human Behavior: Psychologists and body language experts often use 'telling' to describe 'micro-expressions' or 'tells' (a term also common in poker). A 'telling twitch' or a 'telling slip of the tongue' (a Freudian slip) is seen as a direct window into the subconscious mind. In this context, 'telling' is almost synonymous with 'diagnostic.'

The patient's choice of words was telling, revealing a deep-seated resentment toward authority.

In business and economics, 'telling' is used to describe market indicators. An economist might discuss 'telling trends' in consumer spending that predict a coming recession. It’s a word that implies the speaker has the expertise to interpret data that might seem random to others.

Literature and Art Criticism: Critics look for 'telling details' in a work of art. In a painting, a small object in the background might be 'telling' of the artist's true intentions or the historical context of the piece. In a novel, a character's 'telling habit' of checking their watch might symbolize their anxiety about the passage of time.

The director’s use of lighting was telling, emphasizing the protagonist's isolation.

It was telling that the most popular song of the year was about loneliness.

The survey results provided a telling insight into the public's mood.

Ultimately, 'telling' is a word for observers. Whether you are watching a movie, reading the news, or observing a friend, using the word 'telling' signals that you are looking beneath the surface to find the real story.

While 'telling' is a useful word, it is easy to confuse with its verb form or to use it in contexts where it doesn't quite fit. Understanding these pitfalls will help you use the word with precision.

Confusion with the Present Participle: The most common mistake is confusing 'telling' (the adjective) with 'telling' (the present participle of the verb 'to tell'). In the sentence 'He is telling a story,' 'telling' is a verb. In 'It was a telling story,' 'telling' is an adjective. The adjective 'telling' describes the *quality* of the story (it reveals something), not the *action* of narrating it.

Incorrect: He gave a telling speech about his vacation. (Unless the speech revealed a secret truth, this is likely just a 'talkative' or 'descriptive' speech).

Another mistake is using 'telling' as a synonym for 'talkative' or 'communicative.' A person who talks a lot is not necessarily 'telling.' A 'telling person' is not a standard English phrase. Instead, we describe their *actions* or *features* as telling. You might say 'His eyes were telling,' but not 'He is a telling man.'

Overusing it for Positive News: 'Telling' is often associated with revealing something negative, hidden, or scandalous. While it can be used for positive revelations, using it for every piece of information makes it lose its impact. If a sign is just 'clear' or 'obvious,' use those words instead. 'Telling' should be reserved for moments of insight.

Correct: It was telling that he didn't mention his wife in the thank-you notes.

Be careful with the word 'telltale.' While related, 'telltale' is usually used for physical objects or signs that reveal something (like a 'telltale heart' or 'telltale signs of a leak'). 'Telling' is more often used for abstract situations, behaviors, or facts. 'Telltale' is often more specific and physical, while 'telling' is more analytical.

Misplacing the Adverb 'Tellingly': When using 'tellingly,' ensure it modifies the right part of the sentence. It usually starts a sentence or follows a verb. 'Tellingly, the doors were locked' is better than 'The doors were tellingly locked,' which sounds slightly awkward in most contexts.

Incorrect: He spoke tellingly about the weather. (The weather is rarely 'telling' unless it's a metaphor for something else).

Correct: His telling glance toward the exit suggested he wanted to leave.

It is telling that the most expensive cars are often the least reliable.

By avoiding these common errors, you can use 'telling' to demonstrate a high level of English proficiency and a keen eye for detail.

To truly master 'telling,' it helps to understand how it relates to other words in the same semantic field. Depending on the context, you might want to choose a word that is more specific or has a different emotional weight.

Telling vs. Revealing: 'Revealing' is the closest synonym. However, 'revealing' is more general. A 'revealing dress' shows the body, but a 'telling dress' would suggest something about the wearer's character or social status. 'Telling' always implies a deeper meaning or a logical conclusion.

Telling vs. Significant: 'Significant' means important or large in scale. A 'significant increase' is a big increase. A 'telling increase' is one that reveals a hidden truth (e.g., an increase in security spending might be 'telling' of a company's fear of theft). Use 'telling' when the importance comes from what the fact *reveals*.

The difference between a 'significant' detail and a telling detail is the level of interpretation required.

Other alternatives include 'indicative,' 'suggestive,' and 'meaningful.' 'Indicative' is more formal and clinical (e.g., 'The symptoms are indicative of the flu'). 'Suggestive' implies a hint or a nudge toward a conclusion but is less certain than 'telling.' 'Meaningful' is broader and often more emotional.

Telling vs. Poignant: 'Poignant' means deeply affecting the feelings or moving. A 'poignant moment' makes you sad or nostalgic. A 'telling moment' makes you realize a truth. Sometimes a moment can be both, but 'telling' focuses on the intellectual realization, while 'poignant' focuses on the emotional impact.

The old man's empty wallet was a telling sign of his poverty and a poignant reminder of his struggle.

In some contexts, 'decisive' or 'effective' can replace 'telling,' especially when referring to an action that produces a result. A 'telling blow' is a 'decisive blow.' However, 'telling' still carries that extra layer of 'revealing the winner's strength' or 'revealing the loser's weakness.'

His telling contribution to the project ensured its success.

The most telling evidence was the witness's sudden change in story.

It is telling that she chose to leave without saying goodbye.

By understanding these synonyms and their subtle differences, you can choose the exact word that fits your meaning, making your English more precise and expressive.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The word 'teller' in a bank comes from the same root because they originally 'counted' the money. The shift from 'counting' to 'speaking' happened because to tell a story was seen as 'counting out' the events in order.

발음 가이드

UK /ˈtel.ɪŋ/

US /ˈtel.ɪŋ/

The stress is on the first syllable: TEL-ling.

라임이 맞는 단어

selling dwelling spelling yelling swelling compelling propelling excelling

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing the 'g' at the end too strongly (it should be a nasal sound).
Confusing the vowel sound with 'tailing' (/ˈteɪ.lɪŋ/).
Putting stress on the second syllable.
Over-enunciating the double 'l'.
Using a long 'e' sound like in 'teal'.

난이도

독해 3/5

Common in news and literature, but requires understanding of context.

쓰기 4/5

Requires correct grammatical structures like 'It is telling that...'

말하기 3/5

Useful for expressing observations and opinions.

듣기 3/5

Must distinguish from the verb form 'telling'.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

tell (verb) sign reveal important detail

다음에 배울 것

indicative significant poignant eloquent nuance

고급

symptomatic demonstrative evocative manifest latent

알아야 할 문법

Adjective vs. Present Participle

Verb: He is telling (action) a lie. Adjective: It was a telling (quality) lie.

Introductory 'It' with Adjectives

It is telling that the results were leaked early.

Sentence Adverbs

Tellingly, the doors were left unlocked.

Attributive Adjective Placement

She noticed a telling sign of wear on the tires.

Predicative Adjective Placement

The look on his face was very telling.

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수준별 예문

Her smile was telling.

Su sonrisa era reveladora.

Subject + be + adjective.

It was a telling look.

Fue una mirada reveladora.

Adjective before a noun.

A telling sign of rain.

Una señal reveladora de lluvia.

Noun phrase.

His silence was telling.

Su silencio fue revelador.

Subject + be + adjective.

Is it telling?

¿Es revelador?

Question form.

The small gift was telling.

El pequeño regalo fue revelador.

Subject + be + adjective.

That is very telling.

Eso es muy revelador.

Use of 'very' as an intensifier.

A telling moment in the game.

Un momento revelador en el juego.

Noun phrase.

The empty house was a telling sign.

La casa vacía era una señal reveladora.

Adjective modifying 'sign'.

His nervous hands were telling.

Sus manos nerviosas eran reveladoras.

Plural subject.

It's telling that she didn't call.

Es revelador que ella no llamara.

It is telling that + clause.

The mess was a telling detail.

El desorden era un detalle revelador.

Adjective modifying 'detail'.

Her red face was very telling.

Su cara roja era muy reveladora.

Adjective after 'be'.

It was a telling choice of words.

Fue una elección de palabras reveladora.

Adjective modifying 'choice'.

That pause was quite telling.

Esa pausa fue bastante reveladora.

Use of 'quite' as an intensifier.

The broken window was telling.

La ventana rota era reveladora.

Subject + be + adjective.

It is telling that the manager resigned so suddenly.

Es revelador que el gerente renunciara tan repentinamente.

Formal introductory phrase.

The most telling evidence was the witness's hesitation.

La evidencia más reveladora fue la duda del testigo.

Superlative form.

Her reaction was telling, even though she said nothing.

Su reacción fue reveladora, aunque no dijo nada.

Contrastive clause with 'even though'.

The lack of support from his peers was telling.

La falta de apoyo de sus compañeros fue reveladora.

Noun phrase as subject.

This is a telling example of how the system fails.

Este es un ejemplo revelador de cómo falla el sistema.

Adjective modifying 'example'.

The survey results are telling us something important.

Los resultados de la encuesta nos están diciendo algo importante.

Note: This is the verb form, used here for comparison.

A telling comment revealed his true intentions.

Un comentario revelador mostró sus verdaderas intenciones.

Adjective modifying 'comment'.

It was a telling moment for the entire team.

Fue un momento revelador para todo el equipo.

Adjective modifying 'moment'.

Tellingly, the CEO avoided the question about future layoffs.

Reveladoramente, el CEO evitó la pregunta sobre futuros despidos.

Sentence adverb.

The discrepancy in the accounts was a telling blow to his credibility.

La discrepancia en las cuentas fue un golpe revelador para su credibilidad.

Metaphorical use of 'blow'.

It is telling that the most successful students are often the most curious.

Es revelador que los estudiantes más exitosos sean a menudo los más curiosos.

General observation structure.

The author uses telling details to bring the characters to life.

El autor utiliza detalles reveladores para dar vida a los personajes.

Plural noun phrase.

His refusal to sign the contract was telling of his lack of trust.

Su negativa a firmar el contrato era reveladora de su falta de confianza.

Telling of + noun phrase.

The movie's ending was telling, suggesting a sequel might be coming.

El final de la película fue revelador, sugiriendo que podría venir una secuela.

Participle phrase for extra information.

A telling sign of a good leader is the ability to listen.

Una señal reveladora de un buen líder es la capacidad de escuchar.

Defining a quality.

The results were more telling than we had originally anticipated.

Los resultados fueron más reveladores de lo que habíamos anticipado originalmente.

Comparative structure.

The telling silence from the international community was widely criticized.

El revelador silencio de la comunidad internacional fue ampliamente criticado.

Adjective modifying an abstract noun.

It is telling that the policy was implemented without public consultation.

Es revelador que la política se implementara sin consulta pública.

Passive voice in the subordinate clause.

The artist's choice of a muted palette is telling of her emotional state at the time.

La elección de la artista de una paleta tenue es reveladora de su estado emocional en ese momento.

Telling of + noun phrase.

Tellingly, the data showed a correlation that the researchers had overlooked.

Reveladoramente, los datos mostraron una correlación que los investigadores habían pasado por alto.

Sentence adverb.

The most telling aspect of the trial was the defendant's lack of remorse.

El aspecto más revelador del juicio fue la falta de remordimiento del acusado.

Superlative modifying 'aspect'.

The decline in voter turnout is a telling indicator of political disillusionment.

La disminución en la participación electoral es un indicador revelador de la desilusión política.

Adjective modifying 'indicator'.

His telling use of jargon suggested he was trying to hide his lack of expertise.

Su revelador uso de la jerga sugería que estaba tratando de ocultar su falta de experiencia.

Adjective modifying 'use'.

It was a telling moment that redefined the relationship between the two nations.

Fue un momento revelador que redefinió la relación entre las dos naciones.

Relative clause for significance.

The telling economy of the prose reveals the author's mastery of the form.

La reveladora economía de la prosa revela la maestría del autor en la forma.

Abstract usage in literary criticism.

It is telling that the discourse has shifted so radically toward populism.

Es revelador que el discurso haya cambiado tan radicalmente hacia el populismo.

Perfect tense in the subordinate clause.

The telling absence of a counter-argument in the paper speaks to the strength of the thesis.

La reveladora ausencia de un contraargumento en el artículo habla de la fuerza de la tesis.

Oxymoronic quality of 'telling absence'.

Tellingly, the protagonist's descent into madness is mirrored by the decaying architecture.

Reveladoramente, el descenso del protagonista a la locura se refleja en la arquitectura decadente.

Sentence adverb with passive voice.

The most telling critique of the system came from those who had benefited from it most.

La crítica más reveladora del sistema provino de aquellos que más se habían beneficiado de él.

Superlative with complex subject.

The subtle but telling nuances of the performance captured the character's internal conflict.

Los sutiles pero reveladores matices de la actuación capturaron el conflicto interno del personaje.

Adjective phrase with 'but'.

It is telling of the zeitgeist that such dystopian themes are so prevalent in modern media.

Es revelador del espíritu de la época que tales temas distópicos sean tan prevalentes en los medios modernos.

Telling of + the zeitgeist.

A telling blow was dealt to the theory by the discovery of the new fossil.

Un golpe revelador fue asestado a la teoría por el descubrimiento del nuevo fósil.

Passive voice with 'dealt a blow'.

자주 쓰는 조합

telling sign

telling detail

telling moment

telling blow

telling example

it is telling that

most telling

telling effect

telling comment

tellingly absent

자주 쓰는 구문

A telling silence

— A lack of speech that reveals a truth, such as guilt or disapproval.

There was a telling silence when I asked who broke the vase.

A telling contribution

— An action or input that is very effective and shows one's value.

She made a telling contribution to the debate.

The most telling part

— The specific portion of an event or story that reveals the most truth.

The most telling part of the interview was his reaction to the salary question.

A telling reaction

— A response (often physical) that reveals someone's true feelings.

His telling reaction showed he was terrified.

Telling of the times

— Revealing the current social or cultural atmosphere.

The rise of social media is telling of the times we live in.

A telling comparison

— A comparison that highlights a significant truth or difference.

A telling comparison can be made between the two cities.

Telling evidence

— Proof that is particularly revealing or decisive.

The police found telling evidence in the suspect's car.

A telling indicator

— A metric or sign that points to a specific reality.

High turnover is a telling indicator of poor management.

A telling blow to

— An event that significantly damages someone's chances or reputation.

The loss was a telling blow to the team's morale.

Tellingly enough

— Used to introduce a fact that is significant and revealing.

Tellingly enough, he didn't even apologize.

자주 혼동되는 단어

telling vs telltale

Telltale is usually for physical signs (telltale signs of a leak), while telling is for abstract situations or behaviors.

telling vs talkative

A talkative person speaks a lot; a telling detail reveals a truth. They are not the same.

telling vs informative

Informative means giving facts; telling means revealing a hidden or significant truth.

관용어 및 표현

"Dead giveaway"

— Something that completely and obviously reveals a secret or truth.

His nervous laugh was a dead giveaway that he was lying.

informal

"Speak volumes"

— To provide a lot of information or reveal a lot about a situation without words.

The look on her face spoke volumes.

neutral

"The smoking gun"

— A piece of evidence that indisputably proves a crime or a hidden truth.

The leaked email was the smoking gun the investigators needed.

neutral/journalistic

"Read between the lines"

— To understand the hidden meaning or the 'telling' details in a communication.

If you read between the lines, you'll see he's actually unhappy.

neutral

"Tip of the iceberg"

— A small 'telling' sign of a much larger and more complex problem.

This small error is just the tip of the iceberg.

neutral

"Writing on the wall"

— A 'telling' sign that something bad is going to happen soon.

When the company started selling its assets, the writing was on the wall.

neutral

"Give the game away"

— To unintentionally reveal a secret or a plan.

She almost gave the game away by smiling too soon.

informal

"A telltale sign"

— A physical sign that reveals something, very similar to a 'telling sign'.

The telltale signs of aging were beginning to show.

neutral

"Spill the beans"

— To reveal a secret (the act of making something 'telling').

Who spilled the beans about the surprise party?

informal

"Let the cat out of the bag"

— To reveal a secret, often by accident.

He let the cat out of the bag about the merger.

informal

혼동하기 쉬운

telling vs telling

Verb vs Adjective

The verb is an action (telling a story). The adjective is a quality (a telling story).

He is telling (verb) the truth. It was a telling (adjective) moment.

telling vs revealing

Synonyms

Revealing is more general. Telling implies a logical conclusion or a deeper, often unintentional truth.

A revealing shirt vs. a telling comment.

telling vs significant

Synonyms

Significant means important or large. Telling means revealing something hidden.

A significant amount of money vs. a telling amount of money (which might reveal someone's greed).

telling vs indicative

Synonyms

Indicative is more formal and often used for symptoms or signs in a clinical way.

Symptoms indicative of a cold vs. a telling cough (which might reveal a secret smoker).

telling vs effective

Synonyms for 'telling blow'

Effective means it worked. Telling means it worked and also revealed something about the situation.

An effective strategy vs. a telling strategy.

문장 패턴

A telling sign of [noun]

A telling sign of winter is the falling leaves.

It is telling that [clause]

It is telling that he never says thank you.

[Noun] was telling.

His reaction was telling.

Tellingly, [clause]

Tellingly, the witness changed her story.

A telling blow to [noun]

The scandal was a telling blow to his career.

Telling of [noun phrase]

The choice of music was telling of the director's style.

The most telling [noun] is...

The most telling evidence is the fingerprint.

A telling economy of [noun]

The poet used a telling economy of words.

어휘 가족

명사

teller (one who tells)

telling (the act of narrating)

tell (a revealing habit in poker)

동사

tell (to communicate)

retell (to tell again)

foretell (to predict)

형용사

telling (revealing)

untold (too many to be counted/not yet told)

telltale (revealing physical signs)

사용법

frequency

Common in written English, especially journalism and non-fiction.

자주 하는 실수

He is a telling man. → He has a telling way of speaking.
'Telling' describes things or actions, not people directly.
The book was very telling about history. → The book was very informative about history.
Use 'informative' for general facts; use 'telling' for hidden truths.
It is telling because he lied. → It is telling that he lied.
Use 'that' to introduce the fact that is revealing.
I am telling a story. → I am telling a story. (This is correct, but it's a verb!)
Don't confuse the verb 'telling' with the adjective 'telling'.
His telling blow won the race. → His telling performance won the race.
'Telling blow' is usually for fights or debates, not races.

팁

Use for Analysis

When writing an essay, use 'telling' to point out the significance of a piece of evidence. It shows you are thinking critically.

The 'That' Clause

Remember the pattern 'It is telling that...' followed by a full sentence. This is a very common way to use the word.

Synonym Choice

Choose 'telling' over 'revealing' when you want to emphasize that the detail leads to a logical conclusion.

Emphasize Insight

Use 'telling' when you want to sound like you've noticed something others might have missed.

Context Clues

If you hear 'telling' before a noun, it's almost always the adjective meaning 'revealing.'

Show, Don't Tell

In creative writing, use 'telling details' to show a character's personality without describing it directly.

Formal Tone

In academic papers, 'telling' can be used to describe data that strongly supports a theory.

Poker Tells

Remember the poker 'tell' to help you remember that 'telling' is about revealing hidden information.

Not for People

Avoid saying 'a telling person.' Use 'a telling sign' or 'a telling reaction' instead.

Adverbial Use

Use 'tellingly' at the start of a sentence for a more sophisticated and dramatic effect.

암기하기

기억법

Think of a 'Telling' sign as a sign that 'Tells' the truth even when people are trying to hide it. It 'Tells' on them!

시각적 연상

Imagine a person wearing a mask, but a small piece of their real face is showing through a hole. That hole is a 'telling' detail.

Word Web

Revealing Significant Effective Insightful Symptomatic Indicative Decisive Eloquent

챌린지

Try to find three 'telling' details in the room you are currently in. What do they reveal about the person who lives or works there?

어원

Derived from the Old English word 'tellan,' which meant 'to count, reckon, or calculate.' Over time, the meaning shifted from counting numbers to 'recounting' stories or facts. The adjective 'telling' emerged in the 17th century to describe something that 'counts' or 'has weight' in an argument.

원래 의미: Having force or effect; effective.

Germanic (Old English, related to Dutch 'tellen' and German 'zählen').

문화적 맥락

Be careful when using 'telling' to describe people's personal lives, as it can sound judgmental or intrusive.

Commonly used in political journalism to analyze the behavior of leaders.

The Telltale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe (uses the related word 'telltale'). The concept of a 'Poker Tell' in movies like Rounders. Sherlock Holmes often points out 'telling' clues that others ignore.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Politics

A telling shift in policy
It is telling that the minister resigned
A telling silence from the opposition
Telling poll results

Relationships

A telling look between them
His telling change in behavior
It was telling that they didn't invite us
A telling lack of affection

Business

A telling indicator of market health
The most telling part of the report
A telling decline in sales
Tellingly, the company expanded

Literature/Art

The use of telling details
A telling moment in the plot
The artist's telling choice of color
A telling metaphor

Crime/Investigation

Telling evidence found at the scene
A telling slip of the tongue
The suspect's telling reaction
A telling inconsistency in the story

대화 시작하기

"Do you think it's telling that so many people are moving out of the city lately?"

"What do you think is the most telling sign that a relationship is in trouble?"

"I noticed he didn't mention his old job once; do you think that's telling?"

"Is it telling that the movie spent so much time on the character's childhood?"

"What's a telling detail you've noticed about our new boss?"

일기 주제

Describe a telling moment from your childhood that revealed something about your family dynamic.

What is a telling sign of success in your culture, and do you agree with it?

Write about a time you noticed a telling detail that changed your opinion of someone.

Reflect on a telling silence you once experienced. What was being 'said' without words?

Is the way people treat waiters a telling sign of their character? Why or why not?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Not usually. We don't say 'He is a telling person.' Instead, we describe their actions, features, or words as telling. For example, 'His eyes were telling' or 'His reaction was telling.'

No, but it often is. It frequently reveals secrets, lies, or weaknesses. However, it can also reveal positive things, like 'It was telling that he stayed late to help his colleagues,' which reveals his kindness.

They are very similar. 'Telltale' is often used for physical signs (telltale signs of age), while 'telling' is more common for abstract situations, behaviors, or facts (a telling silence).

Use it as a sentence adverb to show that a fact is significant. 'Tellingly, he didn't even look at the contract before signing it.' This suggests his lack of care is a significant revelation.

Yes, it is considered a B1 level word because it requires a bit more nuance than simple adjectives like 'important' or 'clear,' but it is still very common in everyday media.

Yes, 'very telling' is a very common and natural phrase used to emphasize how much a detail reveals.

It means a very effective or decisive hit, either physically (in boxing) or metaphorically (in a debate or competition). It's a blow that changes the outcome.

Yes, as a gerund (the act of telling). 'The telling of the story took hours.' But this is different from the adjective 'telling.'

Common collocations include 'telling sign,' 'telling detail,' 'telling moment,' 'telling example,' and 'telling evidence.'

It is neutral to formal. It is perfectly fine in casual conversation, but it is also very common in formal writing and academic analysis.

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