To communicate information, facts, or news to someone. She told him about the meeting scheduled for tomorrow.
To give an account or narrative of an event or story. He told a fascinating story about his travels in Africa.
To instruct or order someone to do something. The teacher told the students to complete their homework by Friday.
To discern or recognize something. I can tell that you're upset about something.
To reveal or disclose something that was previously unknown. He finally told the truth about what happened that night.
To have a noticeable effect or to become apparent over time. Months of overwork were beginning to tell on her health.
To count or enumerate something, especially money or objects, usually one by one. He told the coins into neat piles before locking them away.