tale-telling
/ˈtāl-ˌte-lər How to pronounce tale-teller (audio)/ (ame, mw)
tale-telling — noun
1. a person who tells stories for other people to enjoy, especially in an old-fashi
a person who tells stories for other people to enjoy, especially in an old-fashioned, literary, or performance setting
By sunset, the tale-telling had gathered every child near the stage.
tale-telling used as a rare human noun
The innkeeper hired a cheerful tale-telling to entertain travellers during the storm.
a tale-telling + to-infinitive
Children followed the old tale-telling from door to door on festival night.
Among the cousins, Lucía became the favourite tale-telling after dinner.
- storyteller
the normal modern word for someone who shares stories with an audience
- narrator
focuses on the person who relates events, especially in books, films, or recordings
- raconteur
more formal and often used for someone who tells lively or amusing stories
用法筆記
Rare and old-fashioned as a noun. Modern English usually prefers tale-teller or storyteller, especially outside literary or historical settings.
2. a person who passes on gossip, rumours, or secrets, often causing trouble for so
a person who passes on gossip, rumours, or secrets, often causing trouble for someone else
No one trusted the office tale-telling after Michael shared Aylin's private news.
office tale-telling in a gossip context
At school, Zayd avoided the tale-telling who ran to teachers daily.
the tale-telling + who + clause
Known across the building, the tale-telling kept every rumor alive.
Reema refused to confide in the family tale-telling during the wedding weekend.
- talebearer
the closest formal synonym, with a literary or old-fashioned tone
- gossip
broader and more common, often about talking about other people's private lives
- tattletale
more child-focused and usually about reporting someone to an authority figure
- informer
stronger and more serious, often about giving information to authority
用法筆記
Usually disapproving. Compared with sense 1, this meaning focuses on passing on private or harmful information rather than entertaining people with stories.