“Tail” vs. “Tale”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “tail” and “tale”

  • A tail is the prolongation of an animal's rear that typically serves for balance while a tale is a narrative or story.
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What is the definition of “tail” and “tale”?

Tail
  • A tail is the prolongation of an animal's rear that typically serves for balance.
  • It is the lower end of a shirt or coat.
  • A tail can also refer to the rear part of an aircraft.
Tale
  • A tale is a narrative or story.
  • It can be fictional or based on real-life events.
  • Tales are often used to convey a message, entertain, or educate.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Tale” is the more popular variant on the web.
Tail
599,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The thick fur on the fox's tail kept it warm in the winter.
  2. The dog wagged its tail enthusiastically when it saw its owner.
  3. The tailor measured the length of the skirt from the waist to the bottom of the tail.
More popular
Tale
737,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The old man told a fascinating tale about his adventures as a sailor.
  2. The fairy tale of Cinderella has been passed down for generations.
  3. The detective listened intently as the witness told a tale about the night of the crime.
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