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. If something is telling, it shows the true nature of a person or situation.

How a man shaves may be a telling clue to his age. 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. Definition of telling adjective in oxford advanced learner's dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Synonym discussion of telling. Definition of telling adjective in oxford advanced learner's dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. Having force or effect; See examples of telling used in a sentence. Showing the truth about a situation or showing what someone really thinks: Showing the truth…. Learn more.

Showing the truth about a situation or showing what someone really thinks: Showing the truth…. Learn more.