World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesSpell
/spɛl/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
1 sense- 1
A form of words used as a magical charm or to cast a magical effect.
"The witch cast a spell on the prince."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from Old English 'spellian' meaning to tell, recite, or announce, originating from Proto-Germanic *spellą (speech, story). Over time, the meaning shifted from narrating or recounting words to naming the specific letters that form a word, and also acquired a secondary sense relating to magical incantations.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Spell"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Spell" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
sort
Transliteration: sort
"La sorcière a jeté un sort."
Zauberspruch
Transliteration: Zauberspruch
"Die Hexe sprach einen Zauberspruch."
incantesimo
Transliteration: incantesimo
"La strega ha fatto un incantesimo."
hechizo
Transliteration: hechizo
"La bruja lanzó un hechizo."
feitiço
Transliteration: feitiço
"A bruxa lançou um feitiço."
मंत्र
Transliteration: mantra
"जादूगर ने एक मंत्र पढ़ा।"
咒语
Transliteration: zhòuyǔ
"女巫念了一个咒语。"
주문
Transliteration: jumun
"마녀가 주문을 외웠다."
呪文
Transliteration: jumon
"魔女が呪文を唱えた。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsPlacing the customer's needs, experiences, and preferences at the center of a business's philosophy, operations, and decision-making.
The cold temperature or biting quality of the air characteristic of winter.
To walk with difficulty, typically because of physical injury or stiffness in the legs or feet.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Spell"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.