Mottle: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŽจ
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mottle

 

[ หˆmษ’t.ษ™l ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

color variation

To mottle means to mark with spots or blotches of color. This term often describes surfaces that have irregular patterns or are speckled in appearance. For example, if a painting has a mottled effect, it showcases a mix of colors that create a dynamic visual texture. Mottling can occur naturally, such as in certain stones or leaves, or it can be a result of artistic techniques in various forms of art.

Synonyms

blot, spot, streak

Examples of usage

  • The artist decided to mottle the canvas with different hues of blue and green.
  • The leaves of the plant were mottled with darker spots, indicating a potential disease.
  • She used a sponge to mottle the paint on the wall, giving it a unique texture.
Context #2 | Noun

pattern style

Mottle can also refer to a pattern of spots or blotches on a surface. In design, a mottle may enhance the aesthetic appeal by introducing complexity and depth. This pattern can be seen in various materials, including fabrics, wallpapers, and ceramics. A mottled design might be used to provide contrast and interest across different visual or tactile experiences.

Synonyms

blotch, dapple, spotting

Examples of usage

  • The tablecloth featured a beautiful mottle that complemented the dinnerware.
  • Mottles on the pottery added a rustic charm to the piece.
  • The artist's signature style includes a distinctive mottle throughout her creations.

Translations

Translations of the word "mottle" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น manchar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคงเคฌเฅเคฌเฅ‡เคฆเคพเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช marmoriert

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ bercorak

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะปัะผะธัั‚ะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ cฤ™tkowany

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใพใ ใ‚‰

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท mouchetรฉ

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ manchado

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท lekeli

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์–ผ๋ฃฉ๋œ๋ฃฉํ•œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุฑู‚ุด

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ skvrnitรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ลกkvrnitรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ–‘้ฉณ็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ marmornat

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ blettรณtt

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะดะฐา›ั‚ะฐั€ั‹ ะฑะฐั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒแƒŸแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ lษ™kษ™li

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ manchado

Etymology

The word 'mottle' originates from the late 15th century, deriving from the Middle English term 'motled' which means 'spotted' or 'speckled'. This, in turn, comes from the Old French word 'mottรฉ', which is related to 'motte', meaning a small hill or mound, possibly indicating a resemblance to a speckled surface. The term was influenced by the Proto-Germanic root *muttaz, which connoted a mixture or blend. Over time, 'mottle' has evolved to encompass both the action of spotting and the pattern that results from such variations in color. Its usage spans both artistic and natural contexts, indicating its versatile application in describing the appearance of objects, surfaces, and artistic styles.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,887 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.