Telling
mediumNeutral toneTEL-ing
adjective
Definition
Having a striking or revealing effect; significant
Memory hook
A TELLING detail TELLS you something important — significant and revealing.
Examples
“The most telling evidence came from witnesses.”
“She made a telling point about the proposal.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The most ______ evidence came from witnesses.”
Show answer
telling
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Telling is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "revealing" or "significant" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "insignificant".
Related GRE Words
conspicuous
Standing out so as to be clearly visible; attracting notice
salient
most noticeable, prominent, or important
inconsequential
of little importance; trivial
signal
(adjective) Notably or conspicuously outstanding
soporific
Causing sleep or drowsiness; tending to induce sleep
paramount
More important than anything else; supreme
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