Spelling

Definition

The word "spelling" refers to (1) the correct arrangement of letters to form a word (orthography); (2) the act or skill of writing or naming letters in sequence; and, as the present participle of spell, (3) the action of forming words by letters.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb (present participle of “spell”)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˈspɛlɪŋ/
• Respelling: SPEL-ing

British English

• IPA: /ˈspɛlɪŋ/
• Respelling: SPEL-ing

Etymology

Derived from Middle English spellinge, a verbal noun of spell “to read letter by letter,” from Old English spellian “to relate, speak.” The sense of “arranging letters of a word” is attested from the 16th century.

Derivatives

• Misspelling (noun)
• Spellchecker (noun)
• Speller (noun)

Synonyms

• Orthography
• Lettering
• Word-formation

Antonyms

• Misspelling
• Error

Usage

"Spelling" is central to education, proofreading, and language technology. Examples: "British and American spelling differ in words like 'colour' and 'color'," "She won the national spelling bee," and "Please check the document for spelling errors."

Related Terms

• Phonetics: The study of speech sounds.
• Grammar: Rules governing language structure.
• Dictionary: A reference listing words and their spellings.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The arrangement of letters that forms a word: Refers to the standard or accepted way a word is written.
  • Example: "The spelling of 'neighbor' varies between English dialects."
• The act or ability of writing words correctly: Describes one’s proficiency in orthography.
  • Example: "Her spelling is excellent thanks to years of reading."

Verb

• Present participle of “spell” (forming words letter by letter): Indicates the action of putting letters together to create words.
  • Example: "The child is spelling her name aloud."