spelling
n.-
1 writing words correctly (n.) A1 Beginnerthe act of forming words with the correct letters in the right order.
the process of forming words with letters; the orthographic representation of a language.
ExampleYou should check your spelling before you send the email to your boss.
ExampleThe teacher noticed that the student's spelling had improved significantly after they started reading more English novels.
Usageuncountable in this general sense
- orthography
PitfallI have a bad spelling.I am bad at spelling.When talking about your ability, use 'spelling' as an uncountable activity rather than a countable object.
-
2 a specific version of a word (n.) B1 Intermediatea particular way that a word is written.
a specific sequence of letters used to represent a word, often used when comparing regional variations.
ExampleThe American spelling of 'color' does not have a 'u'.
ExampleThe dictionary lists 'organize' as the primary spelling, though 'organise' is also widely accepted in British English.
Usagecountable in this sense
Show 1 more senseShow fewer
-
3 musical notation (n.) C2 Proficiency Technical Musicthe way a musical note is written on a page.
the choice of notation among enharmonic equivalents for the same pitch, such as choosing between F-sharp and G-flat.
ExampleThe composer chose a different spelling for the note to make it easier to read.
ExampleCorrect enharmonic spelling is essential for performers to understand the underlying harmonic function of a chord within a complex sequence.
Usagerefers to how a pitch is represented in a specific key
1400s, from spell (verb) + -ing.