spell

• Suite de lettres formant un mot, ou période de temps pendant laquelle quelque chose de spécifique se produit.

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.

   période, intervalle de temps

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

   Synonymesboutintervalpatchperiodrunstretchtimewhile

2. Magic incantationB2formal

   Words or a formula believed to have magical power.

   Formule magique

   • 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.

   Synonymesabracadabracharmconjurationenchantmentincantationjinx

3. Spelling of a wordA1formal

   The way a word is spelled.

   orthographe d'un mot

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

   Synonymesorthographyspelling

• Verbe signifiant énoncer ou écrire les lettres d'un mot dans le bon ordre.

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.

   Épeler

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

   Synonymesletterspell outwrite

2. Indicate or signifyB2formal

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

   signifier, annoncer

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

   Synonymesaugurforeshadowheraldimplyindicatemeanportendpresagesignifysuggest

3. Relieve or take turnsC1informal

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

   Relayer, prendre le relais

   • 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.

   Synonymescover forrelievereplace

Variantes phrasalspell out