spell out
B1 neutral both transitive
In simple words
to say each letter, or explain something in a very clear way
Literal meaning: to put the letters out one by one
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
to say or write the letters of a word one by one
"Could you spell out your last name for me, please?"
Grammar: both
2 B1
idiomatic
neutral
to explain something in a very clear and detailed way
"The contract spells out exactly what each side must do."
Grammar: both
Usage notes
Very common in education and everyday communication. It has both a literal spelling sense and a figurative explanation sense.
Commonly used with
name word rules instructions details problem
Forms
Base
spell out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
spells out
he/she/it
Past simple
spelled out
yesterday
Past participle
spelled out
have + pp
-ing form
spelling out
continuous
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Synonyms
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