definition of
tell

[1] #1 tell v. [state, say] express in words; "He said that he wanted to marry her"; "tell me what is bothering you"; "state your opinion"; "state your name". wn

[2] #2 tell v. let something be known; "Tell them that you will be late". wn

[3] #3 tell v. [narrate, recount, recite] narrate or give a detailed account of; "Tell what happened"; "The father told a story to his child". wn

[4] #4 tell v. [order, enjoin, say] give instructions to or direct somebody to do something with authority; "I said to him to go home"; "She ordered him to do the shopping"; "The mother told the child to get dressed". wn

[5] #5 tell v. discern or comprehend; "He could tell that she was unhappy". wn