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“Tel” or “Tell”

Overview

tel / tell are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term. 👇

Definitions

tel: NA

tell: (noun) a Swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer; according to legend an Austrian governor compelled him to shoot an apple from his son's head with his crossbow (which he did successfully without mishap). (verb) let something be known. (verb) narrate or give a detailed account of. (verb) discern or comprehend. (verb) give evidence.

Pronunciation

tel: t·EH·l

tell: t·EH·l

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Examples in Context

Examples of “tel”

  • …were intending to advance toward Tel Aviv, which most historians agree…
  • …with several hundred vehicles and Tel Aviv stood only about 250…
  • …planning to drive on to Tel Aviv.
  • …eventually delayed their drive on Tel Aviv.
  • …the funeral for Khazan in Tel Aviv on 17 April attracted…
  • …were to be placed at Tel Nof (Eqron Airbase).
  • …three possibilities: A march on Tel Aviv, about northwards—the view adopted…
  • …after defeating Kuwait City and Tel Aviv.
  • …planning to advance northward toward Tel Aviv, and whether or not…
  • …whereas the Jewish city of Tel Aviv relied on the nearby…

Examples of “tell”

  • …Adama takes a moment to tell the crew that he has…
  • Arum would also tell the Las Vegas Review-Journal, "There's…
  • …and doesn't know how to tell Cora.
  • …Theatre: People from an audience tell stories of their lives, which…
  • …Each Other" and "What'll I Tell Virginia."
  • …I had something important to tell them.
  • Apollo says he will tell Dee about the new situation…
  • …song and decided to simply tell the story of their recording…
  • …two gossips call Cora to tell her, which re-ignites the argument.
  • …wanted to avoid having to tell international broadcasters how to pronounce…


(Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions drawn from WordNet.)


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