Pronunciation: /ˈtɛltel/

Definitions of telltale

noun a person or thing that reveals information or gives evidence of something

Example Sentences

A1 The telltale sign of a good bakery is the smell of freshly baked bread.

A2 She knew he was lying because there was a telltale twitch in his eye.

B1 The detective found a telltale clue that led to the identity of the suspect.

B2 The telltale heart in Edgar Allan Poe's story symbolizes the guilt of the narrator.

C1 The telltale signs of climate change are becoming more apparent with each passing year.

C2 The telltale markings on the artifact indicated its origin from ancient Egypt.

adjective revealing, indicating, or betraying something

Example Sentences

A1 The telltale sign of a good banana is when it starts to turn yellow.

A2 Her telltale blush gave away her embarrassment.

B1 The telltale odor of gas alerted us to a potential leak.

B2 The telltale scratches on the door indicated that someone had tried to break in.

C1 The telltale heart rate monitor showed signs of distress.

C2 The telltale signs of aging were beginning to show on her face.

Examples of telltale in a Sentence

formal The telltale signs of climate change are becoming more evident with each passing year.

informal She knew he was lying by the telltale twitch in his eye.

slang The telltale smell of cigarette smoke lingered in the room.

figurative The telltale heart in Edgar Allan Poe's famous story symbolizes the guilt of the narrator.

Grammatical Forms of telltale

past tense

told

plural

telltale

comparative

more telltale

superlative

most telltale

present tense

tell

future tense

will tell

perfect tense

have told

continuous tense

is telling

singular

telltale

positive degree

telltale

infinitive

to tell

gerund

telling

participle

telling

Origin and Evolution of telltale

First Known Use: 1550 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The word 'telltale' originated from the Old English word 'tælan' which means to count or reckon.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'telltale' evolved to refer to a person who reveals secrets or confidential information, often in a negative connotation. It can also be used to describe an object or sign that indicates something else, such as a telltale heart in literature.