telling em 30 segundos
- 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?
Curiosidade
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.
Guia de pronúncia
- 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'.
Nível de dificuldade
Common in news and literature, but requires understanding of context.
Requires correct grammatical structures like 'It is telling that...'
Useful for expressing observations and opinions.
Must distinguish from the verb form 'telling'.
O que aprender depois
Pré-requisitos
Aprenda a seguir
Avançado
Gramática essencial
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.
Exemplos por nível
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'.
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
— 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.
— An action or input that is very effective and shows one's value.
She made a telling contribution to the debate.
— 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 response (often physical) that reveals someone's true feelings.
His telling reaction showed he was terrified.
— Revealing the current social or cultural atmosphere.
The rise of social media is telling of the times we live in.
— A comparison that highlights a significant truth or difference.
A telling comparison can be made between the two cities.
— Proof that is particularly revealing or decisive.
The police found telling evidence in the suspect's car.
— A metric or sign that points to a specific reality.
High turnover is a telling indicator of poor management.
— An event that significantly damages someone's chances or reputation.
The loss was a telling blow to the team's morale.
— Used to introduce a fact that is significant and revealing.
Tellingly enough, he didn't even apologize.
Frequentemente confundido com
Telltale is usually for physical signs (telltale signs of a leak), while telling is for abstract situations or behaviors.
A talkative person speaks a lot; a telling detail reveals a truth. They are not the same.
Informative means giving facts; telling means revealing a hidden or significant truth.
Expressões idiomáticas
— Something that completely and obviously reveals a secret or truth.
His nervous laugh was a dead giveaway that he was lying.
informal— To provide a lot of information or reveal a lot about a situation without words.
The look on her face spoke volumes.
neutral— 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— 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— A small 'telling' sign of a much larger and more complex problem.
This small error is just the tip of the iceberg.
neutral— 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— To unintentionally reveal a secret or a plan.
She almost gave the game away by smiling too soon.
informal— A physical sign that reveals something, very similar to a 'telling sign'.
The telltale signs of aging were beginning to show.
neutral— To reveal a secret (the act of making something 'telling').
Who spilled the beans about the surprise party?
informal— To reveal a secret, often by accident.
He let the cat out of the bag about the merger.
informalFácil de confundir
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.
Synonyms
Revealing is more general. Telling implies a logical conclusion or a deeper, often unintentional truth.
A revealing shirt vs. a telling comment.
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).
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).
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.
Padrões de frases
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.
Família de palavras
Substantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Como usar
Common in written English, especially journalism and non-fiction.
-
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.
Dicas
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.
Memorize
Mnemônico
Think of a 'Telling' sign as a sign that 'Tells' the truth even when people are trying to hide it. It 'Tells' on them!
Associação visual
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
Desafio
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?
Origem da palavra
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.
Significado original: Having force or effect; effective.
Germanic (Old English, related to Dutch 'tellen' and German 'zählen').Contexto cultural
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.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
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
Iniciadores de conversa
"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?"
Temas para diário
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?
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNot 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.
Teste-se 200 perguntas
Write a sentence using 'telling sign' about the weather.
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Write a sentence using 'It is telling that...' about a friend.
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Use 'tellingly' to describe someone's behavior in a meeting.
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Describe a 'telling detail' in a room.
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Write a sentence using 'telling blow' metaphorically.
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Compare 'telling' and 'revealing' in a sentence.
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Write a sentence about a 'telling silence'.
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Use 'most telling' to describe evidence.
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Write a sentence about a 'telling reaction'.
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Use 'telling of' to describe an artist's style.
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Write a sentence about a 'telling example' of greed.
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Describe a 'telling moment' in a sports game.
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Write a sentence about a 'telling indicator' of success.
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Use 'tellingly' to start a sentence about a political event.
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Write a sentence about a 'telling comment'.
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Use 'telling' to describe a statistic.
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Write a sentence about a 'telling look'.
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Use 'telling' in a question.
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Write a sentence about 'telling evidence' in a trial.
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Explain what a 'telling sign' is in your own words.
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Give an example of a 'telling detail' in a person's house.
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How would you use 'tellingly' in a conversation about a movie?
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Describe a 'telling reaction' you've seen recently.
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Why is 'telling' a good word for journalists to use?
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What is a 'telling sign' that someone is lying?
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Is it 'telling' if someone is always late? Why?
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What's the difference between 'telling' and 'important'?
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Use 'It is telling that...' to describe a social trend.
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Describe a 'telling moment' in a famous story.
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How can a silence be 'telling'?
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What is a 'telling blow' in a debate?
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Can you use 'telling' to describe a statistic?
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What's a 'telling detail' about your favorite character?
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Is a person's clothing 'telling'? How?
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What is 'telling of the zeitgeist'?
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Give a 'telling example' of someone being brave.
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How would you use 'more telling' in a sentence?
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Is 'telling' a formal word?
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What does 'tellingly absent' mean?
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Listen for the adjective: 'The telling sign was the broken window.' What is the adjective?
Listen for the structure: 'It is telling that he didn't come.' What is the structure?
Listen for the adverb: 'Tellingly, she avoided the subject.' What is the adverb?
Listen for the noun: 'The most telling evidence was the letter.' What is the noun?
Listen for the superlative: 'That was the most telling moment of the day.' What is the superlative?
Listen for the phrase: 'A telling blow to his career.' What is the phrase?
Listen for the comparison: 'His reaction was more telling than his words.' What is being compared?
Listen for the detail: 'The author included a telling detail about the clock.' What was the detail about?
Listen for the indicator: 'The decline is a telling indicator of failure.' What is the indicator of?
Listen for the comment: 'She made a telling comment about the boss.' Who was the comment about?
Listen for the silence: 'There was a telling silence in the room.' Where was the silence?
Listen for the choice: 'It was a telling choice of words.' What was telling?
Listen for the look: 'They gave each other a telling look.' Who gave the look?
Listen for the insight: 'The results gave a telling insight.' What did the results give?
Listen for the absence: 'His absence was telling.' What was telling?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'telling' is your go-to adjective for describing those 'aha!' moments where a small detail reveals a much larger, often hidden, reality. For example, 'Her hesitation was telling' means her pause revealed her true feelings more than her words did.
- 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.
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.
