Reading Theme:
spell - 英语词汇详解 (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：spelling (spell)
spell
/spɛl/
v., n.
To say or write the letters of a word in the correct order.
spelling
➕
/ˈspɛlɪŋ/
v., n.
The act of saying or writing the letters of a word in the correct order.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'spellian' (to recite) and 'spell' (story).
💡 Mnemonic
Remember: SPeLL = Say the Letters correctly. For magic, think of a witch saying 'spell'.
📖 Example
The teacher asked the student to spell the word "beautiful" aloud for the class.
The teacher asked the student to spell the word "beautiful" aloud for the class.
🔗 Collocations
spell a name – to say the letters of a person's name
spell out loud – to say the letters audibly
spell incorrectly – to make a mistake in spelling
🌱 Derivatives
spelling (n.) – the act of spelling
speller (n.) – a person who spells
spellcheck (n./v.) – a tool to check spelling or the act of checking
📖 Cultural Story
Both meanings trace to Old English 'spell' meaning 'a story or message'. To 'spell' a word was to recite its letters, while a magical 'spell' was a recited formula.
Meaning 2：incantation (spell)
spell
/spɛl/
v., n.
A series of words or sounds that is thought to have magic power, often used in stories or for fun.
incantation
➕
/ˌɪnkænˈteɪʃən/
v., n.
A set of words or sounds believed to have magical power, used in stories or fantasy.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
In the fantasy story, the wizard chanted a powerful spell to make the dragon fall asleep.
In the fantasy story, the wizard chanted a powerful spell to make the dragon fall asleep.
🔗 Collocations
cast a spell – to perform a spell
break a spell – to end a spell
magic spell – a spell with magical properties
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
blessing (n.) – a beneficial magical force
🌱 Derivatives
spellbinding (adj.) – hypnotizing, extremely interesting
spellcaster (n.) – one who casts spells
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