How Do You Spell BE TOLD?

Pronunciation: [biː tˈə͡ʊld] (IPA)

The spelling of the phrase "be told" is straightforward as each letter is pronounced individually. The IPA phonetic transcription of "be told" is /bi təʊld/. The initial sound, /b/, is followed by the vowel sound /i/ and the consonant sound /t/. The second syllable is pronounced with the sound of the weak vowel /ə/ and the consonant sound /l/. The final consonant sound is /d/. Overall, the phonetic spelling of "be told" accurately represents its pronunciation.

BE TOLD Meaning and Definition

1. "Be told" is a verb phrase that refers to the act of receiving information or being informed about something. It implies that the person or entity being referenced has been provided with knowledge, instruction, or a narrative from another person or source.

   When someone is "told" something, it means that information, advice, or an account of an event is relayed to them through communication, whether it be oral, written, or any other form of interaction. The individual being told may not have firsthand experience or personal knowledge of the matter being shared, but is instead relying on the words or message conveyed by another individual.

   The phrase "be told" is often used to describe the process of learning or gaining knowledge, as it conveys the idea of acquiring information from an external source. This passive form suggests that the individual is not actively seeking the information themselves, but rather the information is being presented to them by someone else.

   Overall, "be told" serves as a verb phrase indicating the receipt of information or being informed by another individual, highlighting the passive nature of acquiring knowledge or being instructed by external sources.

Common Misspellings for BE TOLD

• betold
• be todd

Etymology of BE TOLD

The phrase "be told" comprises two words: "be" and "told".

The word "be" is a verb that is derived from Old English. It has Germanic roots and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "buan". It has undergone various changes in spelling and pronunciation over time, but its fundamental meaning has remained consistent, indicating existence or a state of being.

The word "told" is the past participle form of the verb "tell". "Tell" comes from Old English and is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "taljan", meaning "to reckon" or "to count". It originally had a sense of numbering or enumerating, but over time, it has taken on various meanings, primarily associated with communication or conveying information.

Idioms with the word BE TOLD

• if truth be told The idiom "if truth be told" is used to preface a statement or confession that may be surprising or contrary to what is commonly believed or expected. It implies the speaker's intention to be completely honest or frank in revealing something that might not be easily acknowledged.
• (if the) truth be told The idiom "(if the) truth be told" is used to emphasize that what you are about to say is the honest and direct truth, usually following a statement or situation where the truth may not be commonly known or is surprising. It implies that you are going to reveal information that may be unexpected or contrary to what others might expect to hear.