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 Words From

• 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

Is honesty, as in telling the truth, no longer a requirement for seeking and holding public office?

From Los Angeles Times

He recalls telling a missile manufacturer, “We’ve broken your coating,” some years ago.

From BBC

With her believing in you, with her telling you, "Don't give up on your dream. In fact, your dream is too small. Dream bigger!"

From Salon

Several users on X, formerly Twitter, posted screenshots of an alert telling them "please check your entries and try again" when attempting to log in.

From BBC

He said the case was from a decade ago and had been processed in court before, adding that the charges were meant to keep him from telling the truth about the abduction.

From BBC

Related Words

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