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spell — to write or name the letters that form a word in correct sequence

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to write or name the letters that form a word in correct sequence

Pronunciation (IPA): /spel/

Example Sentences

  • My teacher asked me to spell 'embarrass' but I was too embarrassed to try.
  • The magic spell backfired and turned the wizard's beard purple.
  • This hot spell is making everyone cranky at the office.

spell

VERB

[/spel/]

to write or name the letters that form a word in correct sequence

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/spel/
🇬🇧 UK/spel/

🌳Etymology

Rootspell

Origin

The word originates from Old English 'spellian', meaning 'to tell' or 'to speak'. Over time, the meaning evolved to 'to recite letters individually', and the sense of magical incantation developed from the idea of 'speaking special words'.

Breakdown

From Old English 'spellian' (to tell, relate, speak). The noun form developed from this verbal root, later acquiring the specialized meanings of letter-recitation and magical formula.

🎵Rhyme

bell
tell
well
sell
cell

🔗Collocations

spell out
cast a spell
spell trouble
dry spell
cold spell
spelling bee

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My teacher asked me to spell 'embarrass' but I was too embarrassed to try.”

😄 Fun example

“The magic spell backfired and turned the wizard's beard purple.”

“This hot spell is making everyone cranky at the office.”

“Could you spell that email address slowly?”

📚Related Words

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