Definition

1. Noun:
   • The process or activity of writing or naming the letters of a word in the correct sequence: "spelling" refers to the act of forming words correctly with letters according to established conventions.
   • The way in which a particular word is written: "spelling" can also denote the specific sequence of letters that constitutes the accepted written form of a word.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • She is very good at spelling. (She is very good at writing words with the correct letters.)
  • The spelling of "receive" is often difficult for learners. (The correct letter sequence for the word "receive" is often difficult for learners.)
  • There are two common spellings for that word. (There are two commonly accepted ways of writing that word with letters.)

Advanced Usage

• "Spelling bee": A competition in which contestants are asked to spell a broad selection of words.
  • He won the school spelling bee.
• "Spelling mistake/error": An instance of incorrect spelling.
  • The document had several spelling errors.

Variants and Related Words

• Spell (verb): To write or name the letters of a word in order.
  • Can you spell your name for me?
• Speller (noun): A person who spells, especially in a specified way (e.g., a good speller).
  • She is a poor speller.

Synonyms

• Orthography: The conventional spelling system of a language (a more formal, technical term).

Related Phrases

• To check the spelling: To verify that words are written correctly.
  • Always check the spelling before you submit the essay.
• Spelling rules/conventions: The accepted guidelines for how words are spelled.
  • English spelling rules have many exceptions.

Noun

1. forming words with letters according to the principles underlying accepted usage