telltale: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal and informal, slightly literary.
Quick answer
What does “telltale” mean?
A sign, indicator, or piece of information that reveals or betrays something, often inadvertently.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sign, indicator, or piece of information that reveals or betrays something, often inadvertently.
A person, especially a child, who informs on or reveals the secrets of others. Also refers to a device or mechanism that indicates or registers a specific condition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical. Noun and adjective uses are common in both. 'Telltale' as a noun for an informer is slightly more common in BrE historical/literary contexts.
Connotations
Generally negative when referring to a person (snitch, informer). Neutral-to-negative as a sign (revealing a fault or secret).
Frequency
Moderately common in both varieties, with comparable frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “telltale” in a Sentence
The telltale of somethingA telltale that + clauseA telltale for somethingTelltale + noun (e.g., telltale sign)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “telltale” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- 'Telltale' is not standard as a verb; use 'tell tales' or 'tattle'.
American English
- 'Telltale' is not standard as a verb; use 'tell on' or 'snitch'.
adverb
British English
- 'Telltale' is not used as an adverb.
American English
- 'Telltale' is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The telltale smell of gas led them to the leak.
- There was a telltale tremor in his voice.
American English
- The telltale check engine light came on.
- She had the telltale red rash of an allergy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe indicators of market shifts, financial trouble, or employee misconduct (e.g., 'telltale data points').
Academic
Used in literary analysis, history, and social sciences to discuss revealing evidence or informants.
Everyday
Common for describing physical clues (e.g., a mess, a noise) or accusing someone of telling secrets.
Technical
Used in engineering for monitoring devices (e.g., a 'telltale light' on a dashboard).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “telltale”
- Using it as a synonym for any story or anecdote.
- Confusing 'telltale' (noun/adjective) with 'tattle' (verb).
- Misspelling as 'tell-tail' or 'tale-tail'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a single, compound word: 'telltale'.
Rarely. It typically reveals something negative, hidden, or private. A 'telltale smile' might be positive but still reveals a secret feeling.
'Evidence' is broader and more formal. 'Telltale' is a specific, often small or incidental, piece of evidence that clearly gives something away.
Not obsolete, but the noun for a person (informer) has a slightly old-fashioned or literary feel. The adjective and noun for a sign are fully current.
A sign, indicator, or piece of information that reveals or betrays something, often inadvertently.
Telltale is usually formal and informal, slightly literary. in register.
Telltale: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtelteɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɛlˌteɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The telltale heart (from Edgar Allan Poe)”
- “A telltale sign of the times”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'tale' that 'tells' on someone—a story that reveals a secret.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/TRUTH IS VISIBLE (The truth leaves visible traces).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'telltale' LEAST appropriate?