The phrase "telling between" is usually spelled with two L's, despite the sound being pronounced as a single L. The reason for this is that the two L's represent different sounds in the word. The first L represents the dark L sound /ɫ/ found in words like "bell" and "toll", while the second L represents the light L sound /l/ found in words like "little" and "toddler". Therefore, the correct spelling is "telling between" with two L's.
There is no specific dictionary definition for the phrase "telling between." However, contextually, it can be understood as the act of distinguishing or differentiating one thing from another. When someone is "telling between" two or more things, they are employing a process of discernment or identifying the characteristics that set them apart.
In general, the phrase conveys the idea of making a distinction or recognizing the differences between two or more items, concepts, or individuals. This can be done through observation, analysis, or comparison. By "telling between," an individual is aiming to establish clarity or understanding in order to correctly identify, classify, or categorize the objects or ideas in question.
For example, in a scientific experiment, researchers may be "telling between" two different samples to determine which one is the control group. In literature, a reader may be "telling between" the different themes or motifs present in a story. Similarly, in daily life, we often find ourselves "telling between" various options when making decisions or judging situations.
The phrase "telling between" emphasizes the mental process of recognizing and highlighting distinctions, helping individuals navigate and comprehend the world around them more effectively.
The phrase "telling between" does not have a specific etymology in itself. However, if you are referring to the phrase "telling the difference between", it is derived from Middle English and has roots in Old English and Germanic languages.
The word "tell" in this context means to recognize, discern, or indicate. Its Old English origin, "tellan", meant to count, reckon, or relate. The meaning evolved over time to include the sense of distinguishing or differentiating.
The word "difference" comes from Old French "difference" and Latin "differentia", meaning distinction, variation, or divergence.
When combined, the phrase "telling the difference between" refers to the act of recognizing or distinguishing the dissimilarity or variation between two or more things.