spell

• Eine Folge von Buchstaben, die ein Wort bildet, oder ein Zeitraum, in dem etwas Bestimmtes geschieht; auch eine Formel mit magischer Wirkung.

A noun referring to a sequence of letters forming a word, or a period of time during which something specific happens.

1. B1informal

   A short period of time characterized by particular weather, activity, or condition.

   Zeitspanne

   • We had a spell of hot weather last summer.
   • He worked a long spell without a break.
   • The team went on a winning spell.

   Synonymeboutintervalpatchperiodrunstretchtimewhile

2. Magic incantationB2formal

   Words or a formula believed to have magical power.

   Zauberspruch

   • The witch cast a spell on the prince.
   • In the story, the spell turned the frog into a prince.
   • He believed in the power of ancient spells.

   Synonymeabracadabracharmconjurationenchantmentincantationjinx

3. Spelling of a wordA1formal

   The way a word is spelled.

   Schreibweise eines Wortes

   • The spelling test included difficult words.
   • Check the spell of your name.
   • American and British English have different spells for some words.

   Synonymeorthographyspelling

• Verb, das die Handlung bezeichnet, die Buchstaben eines Wortes in der richtigen Reihenfolge zu nennen oder zu schreiben; auch allgemein für das richtige Schreiben von Wörtern.

A verb used to indicate the act of naming or writing the letters of a word in the correct order.

1. Form words with lettersA1formal

   To write or name the letters that form a word in the correct order.

   Wörter buchstabieren

   • Can you spell your name for me?
   • The teacher asked the students to spell 'necessary'.
   • He spelled out the word slowly for the child.

   Synonymeletterspell outwrite

2. Indicate or signifyB2formal

   To mean or result in something; to have a particular effect.

   Bedeuten

   • This decision spells trouble for the company.
   • The new law spells disaster for small businesses.
   • His absence spelled success for the competition.

   Synonymeaugurforeshadowheraldimplyindicatemeanportendpresagesignifysuggest

3. Relieve or take turnsC1informal

   To take turns resting or working, especially in a difficult situation.

   Sich abwechseln

   • The nurses spelled each other during the night shift.
   • They spelled at the wheel during the long drive.
   • We need to spell each other on this tough job.

   Synonymecover forrelievereplace

Phrasal-Variantenspell out