telling

(noun, adjective, verb)

adjective

1. disclosing unintentionally something concealed

- a telling smile

- a telltale panel of lights

- a telltale patch of oil on the water marked where the boat went down

Similar word(s): informative, informatory, revealing, telltale

2. powerfully persuasive

- a telling presentation

Similar word(s): persuasive, cogent, weighty

3. producing a strong effect

- a telling gesture

Similar word(s): effective, effectual, efficacious, impressive

noun

1. an act of narration

Similar word(s): recounting, relation

Definition categories: communication, narration, recital, yarn

2. informing by words

Similar word(s): apprisal, notification

Definition categories: communication, informing

3. disclosing information or giving evidence about another

Similar word(s): singing, tattle

Definition categories: communication, disclosure, revealing, revelation

verb

1. present participle of tell