spell

Everyday

1. To spell a word is to say or write its letters in the right order. tree →
2. (noun) A spell is a set of magic words that makes something happen in stories. tree →
3. (noun) A short period of time: a spell of sunny weather. tree →
4. (verb) To spell something out is to explain it very clearly; "spell trouble" means to be a sign that something bad will happen. tree →

In the lessons

Used at school: spelling tests, "How do you spell...?". In stories: witches and wizards cast spells. In weather reports: "a cold spell", "a dry spell". Phrases: "cast a spell", "under a spell", "spell out".

Examples

• How do you spell "necessary"? tree →
• Can you spell your name for me? tree →
• The witch cast a spell on the prince. tree →
• The princess was under a spell. tree →
• We had a spell of warm weather. tree →
• Dark clouds spell trouble for the picnic. tree →
• Let me spell it out for you. tree →
• "How can I break this spell?" said their sister. tree →

Note

Past: "spelt" (UK) or "spelled" (UK and US). Noun "spelling" is about letters; "a spell" in stories is magic. Homonym: one spelling, several unrelated meanings.

In Jewish tradition

Here it means a magic charm, such as a snake charmer's words. The Bible does not treat such magic as having real power over God.

Interpretation. The Torah forbids sorcery and charming, and this verse is read as showing how stubborn the wicked are, deaf even to the best charmer.

Examples

• Which hearkeneth not to the voice of charmers, or of the most cunning binder of spells. (Writings PSA.58.6, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Past: "spelt" (UK) or "spelled" (UK and US). Noun "spelling" is about letters; "a spell" in stories is magic. Homonym: one spelling, several unrelated meanings.