How Do You Spell TALE?

Pronunciation: [tˈe͡ɪl] (IPA)

The word "tale" is spelled with the letters t-a-l-e. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /teɪl/. The first sound /t/ is produced by pressing the tongue against the alveolar ridge, while the second sound /eɪ/ is a diphthong that starts with an open-mid front unrounded vowel and transitions to a close-mid front unrounded vowel. The last sound /l/ is a voiced alveolar lateral approximant, which is made by touching the tip of the tongue to the alveolar ridge and letting air flow over the sides.

Meaning and Definition
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Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
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TALE Meaning and Definition

  1. A tale is a narrative or story that recounts a series of events, often involving characters and their actions or experiences. It is a form of storytelling that can be either real or fictional, serving the purpose of entertaining, educating, or conveying a message to the audience or readers.

    Tales are typically characterized by their plot, which involves a beginning, middle, and end. They may include elements of suspense, conflict, climax, and resolution. Furthermore, tales often feature various literary devices such as symbolism, foreshadowing, and figurative language to enhance their impact and meaning.

    While tales can encompass a wide range of genres and themes, they commonly focus on human experiences and emotions, exploring topics such as love, friendship, adventure, morality, or cultural traditions. They can be found in oral folklore, literature, mythology, and religious texts throughout different cultures and time periods.

    The purpose of a tale can vary depending on cultural context and the intentions of the storyteller. Some tales aim to entertain and provide escapism, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in a different world or experience. Others may carry moral or societal lessons, addressing social issues and transmitting cultural values. Ultimately, a tale serves as a medium through which stories are crafted and shared, contributing to the richness and diversity of human storytelling traditions.

  2. • A story; a short narrative of adventure; a fiction; number told or reckoned; disclosure of anything secret.
    • Another spelling of tael, which see.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for TALE *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for TALE

Etymology of TALE

The word "tale" traces back to Middle English and Old English origins. It ultimately derives from the Old English word "talu" or "tælu", which meant "story", "account", or "reckoning". In turn, "taluan" (Old English) meant "to reckon" or "to speak". With the passage of time, "tal" evolved into "tale" and came to signify a narrative or story. Its roots can also be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "talō", which meant "speech" or "number".

Idioms with the word TALE

  • a tall story/tale The idiom "a tall story/tale" refers to an exaggerated or fantastical story that is often thought to be unlikely or implausible. It typically involves the teller of the story stretching the truth or embellishing details to make it more interesting or entertaining. This idiom is often used when referring to a particularly extravagant or unbelievable narrative.
  • an old wives' tale The idiom "an old wives' tale" refers to a traditional belief, superstition, or myth that is generally passed down through generations, particularly among older women. These tales are often unscientific or not based on factual evidence, and involve superstitions or remedies for various situations or ailments.
  • fairy tale The idiom "fairy tale" refers to a fictional story, typically involving fantastical elements and characters such as fairies, dragons, and magical creatures. The term is often used to describe a narrative that is highly unrealistic or improbable, emphasizing its idealized or romanticized nature. It can also imply an overly optimistic or naïve belief in something that is unlikely to happen in reality.
  • tale of woe The idiom "tale of woe" is used to describe a recounting or retelling of a sad or distressing story or situation. It refers to sharing a narrative of personal misfortune, difficulties, or hardships.
  • tale never loses in the telling The idiom "a tale never loses in the telling" refers to the idea that stories, especially those passed down orally, are often embellished or exaggerated as they are retold over time. This phrase suggests that stories tend to become more interesting, impressive, or dramatic through the various retellings, and that their impact on the listeners or readers is heightened. Overall, it implies that stories have the power to evolve and captivate, growing in popularity and significance with each retelling.
  • thereby hangs lies a tale The idiom "thereby hangs lies a tale" is often used to indicate that there is an interesting or complex story associated with a particular situation or event. It implies that there are hidden or undiscovered details that need to be told in order to fully understand the situation.
  • a tall tale The idiom "a tall tale" refers to a highly exaggerated or improbable story or account, often involving imaginative or fictional elements. It typically signifies a narrative that is not meant to be taken literally or believed as true.
  • live to tell the tale The idiom "live to tell the tale" means to survive a dangerous or unpleasant experience or situation and be able to recount or share it with others.
  • old wives' tale An "old wives' tale" is a traditional belief, superstition, or piece of advice that is widely accepted as true but lacks scientific evidence or is simply untrue. It is usually passed down from generation to generation and often involves folklore or exaggerated claims about health, weather, or other aspects of life.
  • Thereby/Therein hangs a tale. The idiom "Thereby/Therein hangs a tale" means that there is a longer, more interesting or significant story related to a particular situation or event that has just been mentioned. It implies that there is more to the story than what is immediately apparent or known, and suggests that further explanation or elaboration is required.
  • thereby lies a tale The idiom "thereby lies a tale" is typically used to suggest that a story or explanation related to the current situation is complex, interesting, or worth hearing. It implies that further information or history behind the subject matter exists, and that unraveling it would reveal an intriguing or informative narrative.
  • fish tale The idiom "fish tale" refers to a story or statement that is exaggerated or highly improbable, often used in a humorous or playful context. It originates from the practice of anglers bragging or exaggerating the size or difficulty of the fish they catch.
  • thereby hangs a tale The idiom "thereby hangs a tale" means that there is an interesting or significant story behind something, implying that there is more to the situation or event than meets the eye. It suggests that the current discussion or situation is just the surface, and a deeper, more intriguing story is waiting to be revealed.
  • tell its own tale
  • spin (somebody) a yarn, tale, etc. To spin (somebody) a yarn, tale, etc. means to tell a long, elaborate, and often exaggerated story or account to someone. It implies that the story may not be entirely true or may be embellished for effect.
  • tell its own tale/story To be self-explanatory or self-evident; to symbolize or represent something clearly without the need for further explanation.
  • tell a different, another, etc. tale/story To "tell a different/another tale/story" means to provide a different version of events or to present a different perspective on a situation. It implies that the person is not being entirely truthful or is altering the facts in some way.

Similar spelling words for TALE

Plural form of TALE is TALES

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