What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
incantation
Example
The priest performed an incantation to ward off evil spirits. [incantation: noun]
Example
She recited the incantation three times to cast the spell. [incantation: noun]
spell
Example
The witch cast a spell to make the prince fall in love with her. [spell: noun]
Example
He was under a spell and couldn't resist the urge to dance. [spell: noun]
Example
She wore a necklace with a spell on it to protect her from harm. [spell: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spell is more commonly used than incantation in everyday language, especially in the context of fiction or fantasy. Incantation is a more specialized term that is often used in religious or spiritual contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between incantation and spell?
Both incantation and spell are associated with informal or fictional contexts. However, incantation may be considered more formal due to its association with religious or spiritual practices.