spell
B1Neutral to formal depending on sense; 'magic' sense is informal.
Definition
Meaning
To write or name the letters that form a word in correct sequence.
A period of time during which something lasts or a person experiences a particular condition; a magical formula or incantation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb has three main senses: orthographic (writing letters), temporal (a period), and magical (casting). The noun similarly covers these areas. Context is crucial for disambiguation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the temporal sense, 'spell' (noun) is slightly more common in AmE (e.g., 'a dry spell'). The verb 'spell' meaning 'relieve/take over from' (as in 'spell someone at the wheel') is more common in AmE. The phrasal verb 'spell out' is equally common.
Connotations
Similar across varieties. The magical sense carries the same folkloric/mythical connotations.
Frequency
Overall frequency is similar. The orthographic sense is core and high-frequency in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] spell [NP] (transitive)[NP] spell [that-CL] (transitive, figurative)[NP] spell [AdvP] for [NP] (intransitive, AmE)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “spell it out”
- “under someone's spell”
- “cast a spell on someone”
- “a spell of good luck”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'The new data could spell trouble for the quarterly forecasts.' (figurative, verb)
Academic
'The researcher experienced a productive spell of writing during the sabbatical.' (temporal, noun)
Everyday
'Can you spell your surname for me, please?' (orthographic, verb)
Technical
'The software includes a robust spell-check algorithm.' (computing/orthographic, adj.)
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- We're enjoying a sunny spell after weeks of rain.
- The witch chanted an ancient spell.
- He had a dizzy spell and had to sit down.
American English
- The team went through a losing spell last season.
- She felt as if she was under his spell.
- We're in for a cold spell this weekend.
verb
British English
- Children learn to spell in primary school.
- The dark clouds spell rain.
- Could you spell that out in more detail?
American English
- Make sure you spell my name right on the form.
- Those mistakes could spell legal trouble.
- I'll spell you at the grill so you can get a drink.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- How do you spell 'cat'?
- She can spell her name.
- It was a short spell of hot weather.
- Please spell out your instructions clearly.
- He fell under the spell of her storytelling.
- There will be a rainy spell tomorrow.
- The new policy could spell the end for small businesses.
- After a brief spell as a teacher, he joined the family firm.
- The magician cast a spell on the audience.
- The minister's indiscretions spelled political ruin for his party.
- Her work is characterized by spells of intense creativity followed by periods of revision.
- The incantation was more than a simple spell; it was a complex ritual.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a wizard who needs to SPELL a word correctly to cast a SPELL.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A SPELL (a period of time that captivates or controls a situation). CAUSE IS SPELLING (to spell disaster = to cause it as if by naming it).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'spell' (period of time) as 'заклинание'. Use 'период', 'промежуток'.
- The verb 'to spell' is not 'произносить по буквам' in all contexts. In 'spell disaster', it means 'предвещать', 'означать'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'He did a spell in the army.' (Better: 'He did a stint in the army.' 'Spell' is less idiomatic for military service.)
- Incorrect: 'I will spell you for a drive.' (AmE acceptable, but in BrE, 'I'll take over from you for a drive' is more common.)
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence does 'spell' refer to a period of time?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'spell check' (noun) and 'spell-check' (verb) are common. The closed compound 'spellcheck' is increasingly accepted, especially in computing contexts.
Both can mean a period of time doing something. 'Stint' often implies a limited, assigned, or temporary period of work or activity ('a stint as a waiter'). 'Spell' is more general for any unspecified period ('a spell of bad luck') and is not typically used for formal employment periods.
Not traditionally. However, it appears in compounds like 'spell-check' (as in spell-check software) where it functions as a modifier. There is no standalone adjective form.
It means to explain something in very simple, clear, and detailed terms, often because the listener is being slow to understand or the speaker wants to be explicitly clear, sometimes implying frustration.