tell by (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

"Tell by" is a phrasal verb, where "tell" is the main verb, and "by" is a preposition.

Phonetic Transcription

/tɛl baɪ/

Meaning and Usage

"Tell by" is used to express the ability to discern or understand something based on particular information, clues, or signs. It implies that one can infer or judge a situation based on evidence or observable factors.

It has a moderate to high frequency of use, appearing more frequently in oral speech than in written contexts, especially in conversational English where people express their observations or inferences.

Example Sentences

1. I can tell by your face that you're not happy.
   (Я могу сказать по твоему лицу, что ты не доволен.)

2. She can tell by the weather forecast that it might rain tomorrow.
   (Она может судить по прогнозу погоды, что завтра может пойти дождь.)

3. You can tell by his voice that he's excited about the news.
   (По его голосу можно сказать, что он взволнован новостью.)

Idiomatic Expressions Involving "Tell"

The phrase "tell by" is often part of expressions that involve discernment or judgment based on evidence. Below are some idiomatic expressions along with example sentences:

1. Tell by the look on her face
   "You can tell by the look on her face that she's deep in thought."
   (По выражению ее лица можно сказать, что она глубоко задумалась.)

2. You can tell by the way he talks
   "You can tell by the way he talks that he is very knowledgeable."
   (Можно сказать по его разговору, что он очень образован.)

3. I can tell by the time
   "I can tell by the time that the meeting will start soon."
   (Я могу по времени сказать, что встреча скоро начнется.)

4. Tell by the smell
   "You can tell by the smell that dinner is almost ready."
   (По запаху можно сказать, что ужин почти готов.)

5. She can tell by his attitude
   "She can tell by his attitude that he's not interested in the offer."
   (Она может сказать по его отношению, что ему неинтересно это предложение.)

Etymology

The verb "tell" comes from the Old English word "tellan," which means to count, recount, or relate. The preposition "by" comes from Old English "bi," meaning near or along, and is used here to suggest the means or method through which understanding is achieved.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: discern, infer, deduce, perceive, recognize
Antonyms: misunderstand, confuse, ignore, overlook