Telling (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Producing a strong effect; "gave an impressive performance as Othello"; "a telling gesture".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- Her speech was filled with conviction and emotion, giving a telling portrayal of the struggles faced by the marginalized community.
- The professor's words had a telling effect on the students, motivating them to pursue their passion with renewed energy and dedication.
- The novel's vivid descriptions of the war had a telling impact on the reader, transporting them to the trenches and the battlefield.
- Her smile was a telling sign that she was feeling better, after days of being cooped up with a nasty flu.
- The manager's tone was telling of his concern, his usually composed demeanor betraying his worries about the project's tight deadline.
Synonyms
Meaning 2
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".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- Her nervous laughter was a telling sign that she was hiding something.
- The faint smell of smoke was a telling indication that the fire had not been completely extinguished.
- His guilty expression was a telling feature that betrayed his involvement in the crime.
- The rusty gate was a telling clue that the abandoned house had not been occupied for years.
- The awkward pause in the conversation was a telling moment that revealed the tension between the two friends.
Synonyms
Related Words
Meaning 3
Powerfully persuasive; "a cogent argument"; "a telling presentation"; "a weighty argument".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The economist presented a telling critique of the government's tax reform proposal, citing several convincing studies that challenged its core assumptions.
- The novel's exploration of themes of racism and social justice made for a telling portrayal of the darker side of American society.
- Her telling response to the moderator's question showcased her sharp intellect and confident communication style, making her a standout in the debate.
- The historian's argument was buttressed by a wealth of evidence, including rare documents and oral testimonies, which added up to a telling account of the forgotten events.
- The philosopher's presentation on the nature of reality was full of clever metaphors and pithy one-liners, but the telling blow was the revelation that he had interviewed the original discoverers.