Meaning
Spell out means to explain something in detail, to make it very clear, or to say/write something letter by letter. It is often used when someone wants full clarification or when something is not immediately understood.
Grammar and Usage
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Verb type: Phrasal verb (transitive).
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Structure:
- spell out + object (explain clearly)
- spell out + word/letters (say/write one letter at a time)
Examples of patterns:
- "spell out the rules" → explain the rules clearly.
- "spell out your name" → say each letter of your name.
Common Phrases
- spell out the details
- spell out the rules
- spell out one’s name
- spell out clearly
- spell out step by step
Collocations
- Verb + spell out: must spell out, should spell out, try to spell out
- Noun + spell out: rules spelled out, instructions spelled out
- Adverb + spell out: spell out clearly, spell out carefully
Examples
- The teacher had to spell out the instructions so everyone understood.
- Can you spell out your email address letter by letter?
- The lawyer spelled out the terms of the agreement in simple language.
- She spelled out her plan step by step so we wouldn’t get confused.
- The company policy is spelled out in the employee handbook.
- Could you spell out exactly what you mean by that comment?
- He spelled out the phone number slowly so I could write it down.
Synonyms or Related
- explain clearly
- clarify
- elaborate
- define
- articulate
Antonym
- obscure
- confuse
- muddle
- mislead