TELLING meaning: 1. showing the truth about a situation or showing what someone really thinks: 2. showing the truth…. Learn more.

The meaning of TELLING is carrying great weight and producing a marked effect : effective, expressive. How to use telling in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Telling.

If something is telling, it shows the true nature of a person or situation. It was her expression that was the most telling. How a man shaves may be a telling clue to his age.

Telling definition: having force or effect; effective; striking.. See examples of TELLING used in a sentence.

1. having a marked effect or impact: a telling blow. 2. revealing: a telling smile.

Definition of telling adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Jun 13, 2025 · telling (comparative more telling, superlative most telling) Having force, or having a marked effect; weighty, effective.

The word 'telling' comes from the Old English 'tellan', which meant to count, relate, or explain. In Middle English, it evolved to refer to revealing or narrating events, linking it to storytelling.

Something that's telling is either significant,or it reveals information. Getting twice as much allowance will have a telling effect on your ability to buy new books. When it comes to …

to narrate (a story, etc.) to (someone): [~ + object] He told a story to the children. [~ + object + object] He told the children a story. [no object] The story tells of the legend of King Arthur.