spell out

verb

1. to make clear, distinct, or explicit; clarify in detail

   let me spell out the implications

2. to read laboriously or with difficulty, working out each word letter by letter

3. to discern by study; puzzle out

Idioms and Phrases

Make plain, clarify, as in We asked her to spell out her objectives . [c. 1940]

Read slowly and laboriously, as in He was only six but he managed to spell out the instructions . [Early 1800s]

Puzzle out, manage to understand with some effort, as in It took years before anyone could spell out the inscriptions on the Rosetta Stone . [Late 1600s] All three usages transfer spell in the sense of “proceed letter by letter.”

Example Sentences

How does “the papa,” the upholder of tradition, as the musical’s opening number spells out, maintain his self-respect, if not his authority?

From Los Angeles Times

Salary cap rules negotiated between the NBA and the players’ union are spelled out in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

From Los Angeles Times

Some of the paintings are brightly colored and spell out many hidden words like “mouth,” “alone” or “child.”

From Los Angeles Times

An email spelled out why: "This request is direct from Vashi, as he is in major investor conversations and expects surprise store visits."

From BBC

Alliance contend the city has repeatedly fallen short of the obligations spelled out in the settlement.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• define 
• describe 
• expound 
• illustrate 
• justify 
• point out