Dapple: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ต
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dapple

 

[หˆdap(ษ™)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

on a horse

Mark with spots or rounded patches.

Synonyms

fleck, speckle, spot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dapple

Typically used to describe something marked with spots or rounded patches, often of different colors, as seen in horses or sunlight filtering through leaves.

  • The dappled sunlight created a beautiful pattern on the forest floor.
  • Her horse had a lovely dappled coat.

Examples of usage

  • The sun dappled the trees
  • The dappled horse trotted gracefully across the field.
Context #2 | Noun

on an apple

A small contrasting spot or blotch.

Synonyms

blotch, mark, spot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dapple

This word is used to describe small, circular, or irregular patches of color, light, or shade, often found on surfaces like animal fur, leaves, or sunlight patterns.

  • The horse's coat was dappled with spots of white and brown.
  • Sunlight dapples through the leaves, creating moving patterns on the forest floor.
spot

Spot generally describes a small, round area of color or surface irregularity. It can be used positively or neutrally for minor details.

  • The ladybug has black spots on its red wings.
  • He quickly wiped away the spot of dust on the table.
blotch

Blotch often refers to large, irregular patches or blemishes, typically used in a negative context to describe something unattractive or flawed.

  • He noticed an unsightly blotch on his shirt after spilling coffee.
  • The painting was ruined by a large blotch of paint.
mark

This is a general term that can refer to any visible sign, line, or spot on a surface. It's neutral and can describe both positive and negative markings.

  • There was a small pencil mark on the notebook.
  • She left a mark on the sand with her footsteps.

Examples of usage

  • The apple had a dapple on its skin.
  • The dapple added character to the fruit.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'dapple' comes from the Old French 'daper', meaning to mark with spots or splotches.
  • The term has roots in Middle English, where it referred to a spotted or variegated appearance.
  • Related words include 'dappled', which describes surfaces that show these light and dark patterns.

Art

  • Artists often use dappled light techniques to create depth and dimension in their paintings.
  • Impressionist painters like Claude Monet used dappled light to capture the natural play of sunlight and shadow.
  • The concept of dappled textures is prevalent in many artworks, symbolizing the beauty of nature.

Nature

  • Many animals, such as deer and some breeds of dogs, display dappled coats, making them blend into their environments.
  • Certain plants have dappled leaves, which can be the result of sunlight filtering through tree canopies.
  • Dappled sunlight on a forest floor creates a serene and dynamic environment for various wildlife.

Literature

  • In poetry, dappled imagery often evokes feelings of tranquility and natural beauty.
  • William Wordsworth and other Romantic poets frequently described scenes with dappled light to connect emotionally with nature.
  • Dappled motifs can be found in folklore, symbolizing mystery and the interplay between light and shadow.

Psychology

  • Light patterns, including dappled effects, can influence mood and relaxation, helping individuals feel more connected to nature.
  • Studies suggest that natural dappled light environments may enhance creativity and cognitive function.
  • Dappled sunlight has been shown to calm anxious individuals, demonstrating the psychological benefits of natural light.

Translations

Translations of the word "dapple" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น malha

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคงเคฌเฅเคฌเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Sprenkel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ bintik

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะปัะผะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ plamka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ–‘็‚น (hanten)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท tache

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ moteado

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท benek

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฐ˜์  (banjeom)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจู‚ุนุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ skvrna

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ลกkvrna

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ–‘็‚น (bฤndiวŽn)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ pegasto

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ blettur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะดะฐา›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒšแƒแƒฅแƒ (laqa)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ lษ™kษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ mancha

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,930, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.