spell
Translation
to spell, to mean, to signify
Examples
How do you spell your name?
How do you spell your name?
This spells trouble for us.
This spells trouble for us.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to write or name the letters of (sth.) How do you spell 'apple'?
((sth.)) to mean or lead to (sth.) The dark clouds spell rain.
Similar Words
Synonyms: (to write letters) write out, letter; (to mean) mean, signify, portend
Etymology
From Old English 'spellian', meaning 'to talk, to tell a story'. It originally meant to recite words.
Memory Tips
Imagine that saying the letters of a word is like casting a 'spell' on it to make it readable.