Inkblot: meaning, definitions and examples

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inkblot

 

[ ˈɪŋk.blɑːt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

psychological testing

An inkblot is a printed or hand-drawn image made by dropping ink on paper and folding it to create a symmetrical pattern. Inkblots are commonly used in psychological testing, most notably in the Rorschach test, where individuals are asked to interpret the shapes and patterns. The interpretations can reveal aspects of an individual's personality and emotional functioning. Additionally, inkblots have been a subject in the field of art, where they can lead to creative expressions and abstract interpretations.

Examples of usage

  • The psychologist presented the inkblot to the patient.
  • Her interpretation of the inkblot was quite unique.
  • In art class, we experimented with creating our own inkblots.

Translations

Translations of the word "inkblot" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mancha de tinta

🇮🇳 स्याही का धब्बा

🇩🇪 Tintenfleck

🇮🇩 noda tinta

🇺🇦 пляма чорнила

🇵🇱 plama atramentu

🇯🇵 インクの染み

🇫🇷 tache d'encre

🇪🇸 mancha de tinta

🇹🇷 mürekkep lekesi

🇰🇷 잉크 얼룩

🇸🇦 بقعة حبر

🇨🇿 skvrna inkoustu

🇸🇰 škvrna atramentu

🇨🇳 墨迹

🇸🇮 madež črnila

🇮🇸 blekkslettur

🇰🇿 чернила дағы

🇬🇪 სითხის ლაქა

🇦🇿 mürekkep ləkəsi

🇲🇽 mancha de tinta

Etymology

The term 'inkblot' is derived from the words 'ink' and 'blot', where 'ink' comes from the Latin word 'encaustum', meaning 'to burn in', and 'blot' traces back to Old English 'blôte', meaning 'spot' or 'stain'. The concept of using inkblots for psychological assessment originated in the early 20th century, primarily through the work of Hermann Rorschach, a Swiss psychiatrist, who developed the Rorschach inkblot test in 1921. This test aimed to understand an individual's thought processes and emotional responses by analyzing their interpretations of the inkblots. The inkblot has since become a symbol in psychology, reflecting the connection between abstract art and human cognition.