What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tellingly
Example
Her silence spoke tellingly of her disappointment. [tellingly: adverb]
Example
The empty shelves at the grocery store told a telling story of panic buying. [telling: adjective]
expressively
Example
She sang the song expressively, conveying the sadness and longing in the lyrics. [expressively: adverb]
Example
The artist's painting was so expressively done that it seemed to come alive on the canvas. [expressive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Expressively is more commonly used than tellingly in everyday language. Expressively is versatile and can be employed in various contexts, while tellingly is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tellingly and expressively?
Both tellingly and expressively are formal words that are more likely to be used in written or formal contexts rather than casual conversation.
