Dotted: meaning, definitions and examples

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dotted

[ˈdɒtɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

on paper

To mark with or as if with dots or small spots. To form, decorate, or cover with dots.

Synonyms

fleck, pepper, speckle, spot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dotted	Used to describe something that has a series of small round marks or points scattered over a surface in a regular or irregular pattern. Often used in visual contexts like clothing, decorations, and patterns. She wore a dotted dress to the party. The path was dotted with colorful flowers.
spot	A general term for any small round mark or stain on a surface, often used to describe singular or individual marks rather than patterns. Sometimes can have a negative connotation. She noticed a spot of ink on her shirt. The dog has a spot on its back.
fleck	Used to describe small patches of color or particles on a surface, usually in an irregular manner. Often implies a slight, almost decorative touch. The bird had flecks of white in its feathers. There were flecks of paint on the old wall.
speckle	Used to describe small spots or marks scattered over a surface. Similar to 'fleck', typically used for natural patterns or textures. The robin's egg was speckled with tiny brown spots. Her complexion was speckled with freckles.
pepper	Used in informal contexts to describe something covered or scattered with small dots or pieces. It can imply a more intense or overwhelming spread of small elements. Her speech was peppered with humorous anecdotes. The sky was peppered with stars.

Examples of usage

She dotted her i's with little hearts.
The night sky was dotted with stars.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

pattern

Having a pattern of small spots or dots.

Synonyms

dappled, speckled, spotted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dotted	Used when describing something that has small, round spots or marks that are distributed in an orderly manner. The artist created a beautiful dotted pattern on the dress The dotted line on the map marks the trail we need to follow
spotted	Used when something has distinct spots, especially larger and more noticeable than specks, often used for describing animals or objects. The giraffe has a long neck and is spotted with large brown patches The spotted pattern on the pillow adds a playful touch to the room
speckled	Used when referring to something that is covered with many small spots or specks, especially randomly distributed. Her dress was speckled with tiny white dots The hen laid speckled eggs
dappled	Used when describing something that has spots of light and shade created by the interference of light through leaves or other objects. The horse had a dappled coat, giving it a unique appearance We walked through the dappled shadows under the trees

Examples of usage

She wore a dress with a dotted design.
The road was lined with dotted markings.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'dotted' comes from the Old English 'dottian', which means 'to dot' or 'to mark with dots'.
In the 14th century, it was commonly used to describe items that were marked or decorated with small spots.
The use of dots in language dates back to ancient scripts, where dots were often used to denote letters or sounds.

Art

Dotted patterns are widely used in art, particularly in pointillism, a technique where small dots of color create an image when viewed from afar.
The famous painter Georges Seurat is known for his pointillist works, which demonstrate how dots can blend to form vibrant images.
Dotted art can also be found in various cultures, such as Aboriginal art, where dots symbolize different meanings related to stories or traditions.

Science

In mathematics and graph theory, dots can represent points on a graph, aiding in visual data representation and relationships.
Dotted cells are crucial in biology for microscopy, where they represent cellular structures or functions in research.
The concept of using dots to represent quantities is foundational in statistics, where dot plots visually display data distributions.

Fashion

Polka dots became popular in fashion in the 1920s and have since been a timeless design choice for clothing, accessories, and home decor.
Famous figures like Marilyn Monroe and fashion brands have contributed to the ongoing popularity of dotted patterns in modern trends.
Dotted patterns often symbolize playfulness and fun, making them a favorite for both children and adults in fashion design.

Technology

In technology, dotted notation is used in network addressing, such as IPv4 addresses represented as four numbers separated by dots.
Dot-matrix printers revolutionized the printing process by using a grid of small dots to form characters and images.
Dotted lines are often used in digital design to indicate paths or connections in graphics software, enhancing visual clarity.

Translations

Translations of the word "dotted" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pontilhado

🇮🇳 बिंदुयुक्त

🇩🇪 gepunktet

🇮🇩 berbintik-bintik

🇺🇦 крапчастий

🇵🇱 kropkowany

🇯🇵 点線の

🇫🇷 pointillé

🇪🇸 punteado

🇹🇷 noktalı

🇰🇷 점으로 된

🇸🇦 منقط

🇨🇿 tečkovaný

🇸🇰 bodkovaný

🇨🇳 点状的

🇸🇮 pikčast

🇮🇸 punktalína

🇰🇿 нүктелі

🇬🇪 წერტილოვანი

🇦🇿 nöqtəli

🇲🇽 punteado

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,434 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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8431 agony
8432 cruise
8433 battalion
8434 dotted
8435 ware
8436 storing
8437 engraved
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