Mottled: meaning, definitions and examples

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mottled

[ˈmɒtld ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

coloration

Marked with spots or smears of color.

Synonyms

speckled, spotted, variegated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mottled	Best used when describing something that has irregular patches or spots of different colors. The old book's pages were mottled with age spots The sky turned a mottled shade of gray and blue before the storm
spotted	Used to describe something that has distinct, usually round spots. It is often used for patterns on animals or fabric. The dalmatian dog is well-known for its spotted coat She wore a dress with a bright red spotted pattern
speckled	Appropriate for describing something that has many small spots or specks scattered over a surface. The bird's eggs are speckled with tiny brown dots His face was speckled with freckles
variegated	Refers to something that has stripes, patches, or different colors, often used in relation to plants or elaborate designs. The variegated leaves of the plant add an interesting touch to the garden The artist used variegated patterns to make the painting more vibrant

Examples of usage

The mottled feathers of the bird stood out against the green leaves.
The mottled sky foretold an approaching storm.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

skin

Having spots or patches of different colors or shades.

Synonyms

dappled, marbled, patchy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mottled	Used to describe something that has spots or blotches of different shades or colors. Often used in nature or art. The frog had a mottled green and brown skin. The artist used a mottled pattern to depict the sky.
patchy	Describes something uneven or irregular, often in a negative sense. Can be used to talk about inconsistent conditions or coverage. The lawn looked patchy after the dry summer. The internet connection was quite patchy in this area.
dappled	Refers to something with spots of light and shade, often seen under tree canopies or in natural settings. She walked through a dappled path in the forest. The sunlight created a dappled effect on the ground.
marbled	Typically used for something that has streaks or veins of a different shade or color, resembling marble stone. Commonly used in reference to food or materials. The cake had a marbled chocolate and vanilla pattern. The library had marbled floors.

Examples of usage

The mottled skin of the lizard helped it blend into its surroundings.
Her mottled complexion revealed years of sun exposure.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'mottled' comes from the Middle English term 'moteled', which means spotted.
It derives from the Old French word 'moter', meaning to make a mark or spot.
Initially used to describe surfaces, the term evolved to encompass various contexts in art and nature.

Science

In biology, mottled patterns can be found in animal coats and skins, providing camouflage from predators.
Certain types of cancer are described as mottled when tumors show various colors on imaging scans, indicating different tissue densities.
In geology, rocks may be mottled due to mineral variations, affecting how they look and how they're used in construction.

Art

Mottled colors in paintings can create depth and texture, drawing the viewer's eye to different parts of the artwork.
Artists often use mottling techniques to mimic natural patterns, like the variations in landscape or animal appearance.
Ceramic artists may create mottled glazes that produce unique and varied surface effects, making each piece one-of-a-kind.

Nature

Certain plants have mottled leaves, which can indicate health issues or adapt to their environment by attracting specific sunlight.
Mottled animals, like the common chameleon, have patterns that help them blend into various surroundings for protection.
In aquatic ecosystems, mottled fish can use coloration for camouflage against a backdrop of rocks and plants.

Fashion

Mottled fabrics are popular for clothing, providing a dynamic, eye-catching appearance in garments.
The trend of using mottled colors in home decor can evoke earthy, natural vibes in interior design.
Fashion designers may incorporate mottled designs in accessories, giving unique flair to bags and shoes.

Translations

Translations of the word "mottled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 marmoreado

🇮🇳 धब्बेदार

🇩🇪 gefleckt

🇮🇩 berbintik

🇺🇦 плямистий

🇵🇱 cętkowany

🇯🇵 斑点のある

🇫🇷 tacheté

🇪🇸 moteado

🇹🇷 benekli

🇰🇷 얼룩덜룩한

🇸🇦 مرقط

🇨🇿 skvrnitý

🇸🇰 škvrnitý

🇨🇳 斑驳的

🇸🇮 pegast

🇮🇸 marglitur

🇰🇿 дақты

🇬🇪 ლაქებიანი

🇦🇿 ləkəli

🇲🇽 moteado

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,198, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
13195 shameful
13196 causality
13197 bravely
13198 mottled
13199 chronicle
13200 epoxy
13201 gym
...