telling

[ tel-ing ]

adjective

1. having force or effect; effective; striking:

   a telling blow.

   Synonyms: weighty, potent, forceful, powerful

2. revealing; indicative of much otherwise unnoticed:

   a telling analysis of motivation in business.

telling

/ ˈtɛlɪŋ /

adjective

1. having a marked effect or impact

   a telling blow

2. revealing

   a telling smile

Derived Forms

• ˈtellingly, adverb

Other Word Forms

• telling·ly adverb
• un·telling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of telling¹

First recorded in 1850–55; tell ¹ + -ing ²

Example Sentences

“He could not understand how I knew where he was and I was like, ‘I don’t give a s—, I’m not telling anybody anything.

From Los Angeles Times

When the clip resumes, Valdez is still on the ground and can be heard telling Yanez to “chill” as the officer tries to put him in handcuffs.

From Los Angeles Times

But some six months later, Malatsi has failed to change the policy, with a spokesperson for his department telling the BBC that their legal team was still looking into the matter.

From BBC

During the two-day sentencing hearing this month, Wesley’s mother, Kelly, addressed Eis directly, telling him that no nightmare is worse than knowing that his face is the last thing her son might have seen.

From Los Angeles Times

Aidan O'Neill KC, representing For Women Scotland, argues for a "common sense" meaning of the words man and woman, telling the court that sex is an "immutable biological state".

From BBC

Related Words

• cogent
• conspicuous
• convincing
• decisive
• devastating
• forceful
• powerful
• satisfying
• striking
• trenchant