spell etymology

Etymology:

  • Spell (noun): Old English "spell," meaning a spoken or written formula believed to have magical powers
  • Spell (verb): Old English "spellian," meaning to say or write words, to utter

Meaning:

Spell (noun):

  • A spoken or written formula believed to have magical or supernatural powers
  • A charm or incantation
  • A period of work or activity

Spell (verb):

  • To utter words or sounds
  • To write or read words
  • To put under a spell or charm

Origin:

The Old English words "spell" and "spellian" are both derived from the Proto-Germanic root spellean- meaning "to speak or tell." This root is also found in other Germanic languages, such as Dutch "spreken" and German "sprechen," meaning "to speak."

The word "spell" originally referred to spoken words that were believed to have magical powers. Over time, the meaning expanded to include written words and any form of communication that was thought to have an influence on the world.

spell relate terms

  • gospel

    Etymology and Origin The term gospel comes from the Old English word godspel which

  • good

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  • spell

    Etymology Spell noun Old English spell meaning a spoken or written formula believ

  • evangel

    Etymology The word evangel comes from the Greek word euangelion which means good n

  • spelling

    Spelling Etymology Middle English spellen from Old English spellian ultimately deriv

  • spell

    Etymology Spell noun Old English spell meaning a spoken or written formula believ

  • spiel

    Etymology Middle High German spil Old High German spilon Proto Germanic spēlanaz

  • while

    Etymology is the study of the origin and historical development of words It involves trac

  • piece

    Etymology Piece derives from the Old French word piece meaning fragment share por

  • enchantment

    Etymology The word enchantment derives from the Old French word enchantement which

  • incantation

    Etymology The word incantation derives from the Latin word incantare which means t

  • fascinate

    Etymology Medieval Latin fascinare to bewitch enchant Latin fascinum evil eye fa

  • conjuration

    Etymology Latin conjuratio conspiracy incantation Root con with jurare to sw

  • possession

    Etymology The word possession is derived from the Latin word possessio which means

  • overtake

    Etymology Middle English overtaken from Old English ofer tācan to catch up with ov

  • name

    Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It is a branch of historica