Meaning
Spell has several meanings depending on context:
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As a verb
- To write or say the letters of a word in the correct order.
- To mean or signify something ("This spells trouble").
- To take the place of someone for a short time (mainly Australian/UK use).
-
As a noun
- A short period of time doing something.
- A state of being under magic or enchantment.
- A turn at work or duty.
Grammar and Usage
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Verb (transitive/intransitive):
- spell a word (transitive)
- Can you spell? (intransitive, without object)
-
Noun (countable):
- a spell of hot weather
- under a magic spell
Variations
- Spell out: explain clearly or in detail.
- Spell (someone) off/on: to relieve someone at work (informal, UK/Aus).
Common Phrases
- Cast a spell – use magic on someone.
- Break the spell – end an enchantment or fascination.
- For a spell – for a short time.
- Spell trouble – to indicate likely problems.
- Under a spell – deeply fascinated or enchanted.
Collocations
- Verb + spell: cast, break, fall under, weave
- Adjective + spell: long spell, short spell, hot spell, cold spell
- Spell + noun: spell of rain, spell of silence
- Spell + out: spell out the details, spell out instructions
Examples
- Can you spell your name for me, please?
- She cast a spell on the prince in the fairy tale.
- We had a long spell of rain last month.
- His rude behavior spells disaster for the project.
- I’ll spell you for a while so you can take a break.
- The teacher asked the student to spell out the answer clearly.
- The audience sat as if under a spell during the concert.
- After a short spell in London, he returned home.
- The magician’s spell was finally broken.
- A sudden spell of laughter filled the room.
Synonyms or Related
- Verb (spell letters): write, articulate, pronounce
- Verb (signify): mean, indicate, suggest, foreshadow
- Noun (magic): charm, enchantment, incantation
- Noun (time period): stint, stretch, interval, bout