spell 1 (sp l)v. spelled or spelt (sp lt), spell·ing, spells v.tr.1. To name or write in order the letters constituting (a word or part of a word). 2. To constitute the letters of (a word): These letters spell animal. 3. To add up to; signify: Their unwise investment could spell financial ruin. v.intr. To form words by means of letters. Phrasal Verbs: spell down To defeat in a spelling bee. spell out1. To make perfectly clear and understandable: asked him to spell out his objectives. 2. To read slowly and laboriously. 3. To puzzle out; comprehend by study.
[Middle English spellen, to read letter by letter, from Old French espeller, of Germanic origin.] |
spell 2 (sp l)n.1. a. A word or formula believed to have magic power. b. A bewitched state; a trance. 2. A compelling attraction; charm or fascination: the spell of the theater. tr.v. spelled, spell·ing, spells To put (someone) under a spell; bewitch.
[Middle English, discourse, from Old English.] |
spell out Verb
1. to make (something) as easy to understand as possible: to spell out the implications
2. to read with difficulty, working out each word letter by letter
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Verb | 1. | spell out - make explicit; specify in detail; "You should spell out your demands" |
| 2. | spell out - spell fully and without abbreviating; "Can you spell out your middle name instead of just giving the initial?"spell, write - write or name the letters that comprise the conventionally accepted form of (a word or part of a word); "He spelled the word wrong in this letter" |
| 3. | spell out - orally recite the letters of or give the spelling of; "How do you spell this word?" "We had to spell out our names for the police officer"recite - repeat aloud from memory; "she recited a poem"; "The pupil recited his lesson for the day" |