spell out

British  

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

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spell out Idioms  

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

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

3. 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.”

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

spell out

Beneficiaries should look at their annual notice-of-change letter, which will spell out what may have changed in their current plan.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 28, 2026

His employment contract didn’t spell out what he would be owed if he were terminated, according to the suit.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 2026

The main opposition Conservative Party said any help was welcome but called on Burnham to spell out how he planned to pay for the measure, due to come into force in April 2027.

From Barron's ● Jul. 23, 2026

In the center of the wall, just behind the coach’s desk, white block letters spell out “Why Not” above a script “U.S.,” which, despite the periods, is meant to be read as “us.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 25, 2026

I would act as if I had no idea whatever of what they were talking about—and I was grateful when they chose not to spell out what they knew.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey

Related Words

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