How Do You Spell TALE-BEARER?

Pronunciation: [tˈe͡ɪlbˈe͡əɹə] (IPA)

The spelling of "tale-bearer" can be a bit confusing. The word is pronounced /teɪlˌbɛːrər/, with the first syllable rhyming with "ale" and the second syllable sounding like "bear." The hyphen between the two words is necessary to indicate that they are separate, and not just one long word. A "tale-bearer" is someone who spreads gossip or secrets. It's important to spell this word correctly to avoid confusion or misspelling it as "tail-bearer."

TALE-BEARER Meaning and Definition

  1. A tale-bearer is an individual who engages in the act of spreading gossip, rumors, or malicious stories about others. Also called a gossipmonger, this person is often characterized by their inclination to share intimate, personal, or confidential information without consent or regard for the potential consequences. The term "tale-bearer" typically has negative connotations, as it implies an individual who thrives on stirring up trouble and discord by repeating potentially harmful or scandalous information about others.

    Tale-bearers are known for their ability to acquire privileged knowledge or confidential details and disseminate them to a wider audience, often with embellishments or exaggerations. They have a knack for exploiting the weaknesses or vulnerabilities of others, capitalizing on sensitive situations to their advantage. The motivations behind their actions may vary, ranging from seeking attention, establishing dominance, or deriving a sense of superiority by putting others down.

    The actions of a tale-bearer can lead to significant harm, including reputational damage, strained relationships, or even psychological distress for the individuals targeted. Society typically looks down upon tale-bearers, as their actions undermine trust, unity, and communal harmony. Consequently, being identified as a tale-bearer can result in social exclusion or ostracization.

    In summary, a tale-bearer is an individual who maliciously spreads gossip or rumors about others, often causing harm to their reputations and relationships. Their actions are typically driven by personal motives and can disrupt social cohesion and trust within a community.

  2. One who impertinently or officiously gives intelligence about the doings of others that may create mischief and ill-will.

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

Common Misspellings for TALE-BEARER

  • tale bearer
  • rale-bearer
  • fale-bearer
  • gale-bearer
  • yale-bearer
  • 6ale-bearer
  • 5ale-bearer
  • tzle-bearer
  • tsle-bearer
  • twle-bearer
  • tqle-bearer
  • take-bearer
  • tape-bearer
  • taoe-bearer
  • talw-bearer
  • tals-bearer
  • tald-bearer
  • talr-bearer
  • tal4-bearer
  • tal3-bearer

Etymology of TALE-BEARER

The word "tale-bearer" derives from two separate words: "tale" and "bearer".

1. "Tale" comes from the Old English word "talu", which means "story" or "account". This Old English word eventually evolved into the Middle English word "tale" with the same meaning. The word "tale" is also related to the Old Norse word "tala", meaning "speech", which further connects it to the general idea of storytelling or communication.

2. "Bearer" comes from the Old English word "berere" or "berare", which means "one who carries or bears". It is derived from the verb "beran", which means "to bear" or "to carry". The root of this verb can also be traced back to Proto-Germanic and Proto-Indo-European languages, where it had a similar meaning.

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