What does respell mean?
Respell is a verb meaning to write or say a word or name in a different form. It is especially useful when a pronunciation varies, when a surname is unfamiliar, or when a term is easier to understand when presented phonetically. A speaker might respell a word to show its sounds, while an editor might respell it to improve consistency or readability. The word is neutral rather than highly formal, and it appears in ordinary conversation as well as in language teaching, pronunciation guides, and editorial discussion. Although the basic idea is simple, respell reflects an important practical concern: written spelling and spoken pronunciation do not always correspond clearly. The word is also related etymologically to spell, spelling, and speller, all of which concern the letters, sounds, or interpretation of words.
verbTo spell a word or name differently, especially by giving it another pronunciation or by changing its written form.
- To spell or pronounce a word or name differently, especially by providing an alternative spelling or a phonetic rendering.
"If you are unsure how to pronounce her surname, you can respell it phonetically."
"The guide respells the unusual surname so that visitors can pronounce it correctly."
"Editors may respell a technical term to make its pronunciation clearer."
When a name refuses to fit your tongue, respell it—one letter at a time.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of respell
Respell is an English formation combining the prefix re-, meaning again or anew, with the older word spell. Spell comes from Old English and refers to writing or pronouncing a word letter by letter. Related forms such as spelling and speller were developed from the same base, while spellbound preserves another older sense of the word meaning a magical charm.
Related word forms
How respell is actually used
Neutral and common in careful speech, writing, and language instruction, particularly when a pronunciation varies or a name is difficult to spell.
Easily confused with respell
Both words can be pronounced similarly, but repelling means driving something away, whereas respelling means writing or saying something in a different form.