Respell: meaning, definitions and examples

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respell

 

[ rɪˈspɛl ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

linguistics, phonetics

To respell is to spell a word again, often to clarify pronunciation or represent it phonetically. This is commonly used in phonetics to indicate how a word should be pronounced based on its spelling.

Synonyms

rephrase, restate, rewrite.

Examples of usage

  • The teacher asked us to respell the word for clarity.
  • In linguistic transcription, we often respell complex sounds.
  • I had to respell my name so the clerk could understand me.

Translations

Translations of the word "respell" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reescrever

🇮🇳 फिर से लिखना

🇩🇪 neu schreiben

🇮🇩 menuliskan kembali

🇺🇦 переписати

🇵🇱 przepisać

🇯🇵 再綴りする

🇫🇷 réécrire

🇪🇸 reescribir

🇹🇷 yeniden yazmak

🇰🇷 다시 쓰다

🇸🇦 إعادة كتابة

🇨🇿 přepsat

🇸🇰 prepísať

🇨🇳 重新拼写

🇸🇮 prepisati

🇮🇸 endurrita

🇰🇿 қайта жазу

🇬🇪 მეორედ წერა

🇦🇿 yenidən yazmaq

🇲🇽 reescribir

Etymology

The term 'respell' combines the prefix 're-', meaning 'again' or 'back', and the verb 'spell', which originates from the Old English 'spellian', meaning 'to tell' or 'to spell out'. The use of 'respell' began to emerge in the 19th century, particularly in linguistic contexts where precise pronunciation was crucial. The concept of respelling was vital for educators and linguists to ensure accurate communication of sounds in different dialects and languages. In recent years, with the rise of phonetics and language learning apps, the need for respelling has expanded, reflecting changes in how languages are taught and understood.