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). Synonyms: Tell, William Tell.

(verb) express in words. Synonyms: state, say. Examples: "He said that he wanted to marry her." "Tell me what is bothering you." "State your opinion." "State your name."

(verb) let something be known. Examples: "Tell them that you will be late."

(verb) narrate or give a detailed account of. Synonyms: narrate, recount, recite. Examples: "Tell what happened." "The father told a story to his child."

(verb) give instructions to or direct somebody to do something with authority. Synonyms: order, enjoin, say. Examples: "I said to him to go home." "She ordered him to do the shopping." "The mother told the child to get dressed."

(verb) discern or comprehend. Examples: "He could tell that she was unhappy."

(verb) inform positively and with certainty and confidence. Synonyms: assure. Examples: "I tell you that man is a crook!."

(verb) give evidence. Synonyms: evidence. Examples: "He was telling on all his former colleague."

(verb) mark as different. Synonyms: distinguish, separate, differentiate, secern, secernate, severalize, severalise, tell apart. Examples: "We distinguish several kinds of maple."