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Speck: meaning, definitions and examples

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speck

 

[spɛk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

small

A tiny spot, a small piece or amount of something.

Synonyms

dot, grain, particle, spot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
speck

Use 'speck' when referring to a very small amount or a tiny piece of something, often indicating that it is barely noticeable.

  • There was just a speck of dust on the mirror
  • He didn't leave a speck of food on his plate
spot

Use 'spot' to describe a small, round area that is different in color or appearance from its surroundings, often implying a small stain or a mark.

  • There was a spot of ink on the paper
  • She noticed a red spot on her dress
dot

Use 'dot' for describing a small round mark, typically used in writing, drawing, or describing very small, circular shapes.

  • She added a dot to the end of her sentence
  • The ladybug had red dots on its back
particle

Use 'particle' mainly in scientific or technical contexts when referring to a very small portion of matter, often invisible to the naked eye.

  • Physics studies the behavior of subatomic particles
  • A particle of dust floated in the sunlight
grain

Use 'grain' when referring to small particles of a substance, such as sand, salt, or cereals, or in the context of texture in materials like wood.

  • She felt a grain of sand between her toes
  • The wood's grain was smooth and polished

Examples of usage

  • There was a speck of dust on the table.
  • She noticed a speck of paint on her shoes.
  • I couldn't see any flaws, just one tiny speck of dirt.
  • The bird's egg had specks of different colors on it.
Context #2 | Noun

eyes

A tiny foreign object in the eye that causes discomfort.

Synonyms

foreign body, particle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
speck

Typically used to describe a tiny spot or small amount of something, often dirt or dust. It usually carries a neutral or slightly negative connotation.

  • There was not a speck of dust in the room.
  • She noticed a tiny speck of dirt on her shirt.
particle

Often used in scientific or technical contexts to describe a very small piece or fragment of something. It is a neutral term.

  • Scientists are studying particles to understand the basics of matter.
  • The air filter can catch even the smallest particles of dust.
foreign body

Commonly used in medical or technical situations to describe something that is not naturally part of a specific system or environment and may cause harm or irritation.

  • The doctors removed a foreign body from the patient's eye.
  • The machine stopped working because a foreign body got into the system.

Examples of usage

  • She had to rinse her eyes to remove the speck of dust.
  • The optometrist removed the speck from his patient's eye.
Context #3 | Verb

speak

To talk briefly or in a low voice.

Synonyms

mumble, murmur, whisper.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
speck

A small spot, mark, or piece of something.

  • There's a speck of dust on the table
  • He noticed a speck of dirt on his shirt
whisper

Speaking very softly, especially for the purpose of secrecy.

  • She whispered the answer to her friend
  • He leaned in and whispered in her ear
murmur

Speaking softly and indistinctly, often used to describe collective soft noise or quiet speech.

  • The crowd murmured in agreement
  • He murmured a few words of comfort
mumble

Speaking quietly and unclearly, often out of nervousness or lack of confidence.

  • He mumbled his response during the interview
  • She mumbled something under her breath

Examples of usage

  • He would only speck a few words to avoid attracting attention.
  • She specked softly so as not to wake the baby.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old English 'specca,' which means a small particle.
  • It was used in the 13th century to describe tiny pieces, showing how long we've recognized small things.
  • The connection to the concept of smallness is seen in various languages, with similar terms existing in German and Dutch.

Science

  • In the study of particles, a 'speck' can refer to tiny particles in the air that might be pollutants.
  • In astronomy, astronomers often refer to 'specks' when observing distant galaxies that appear as tiny dots in the sky.
  • Microbiology examines specks as bacteria or cells that are too small to see without a microscope.

Literature

  • In poetry, a 'speck' often symbolizes insignificance or something overlooked in the grand scheme of things.
  • Authors sometimes use the word to evoke imagery of delicate details, enhancing the beauty of small moments.
  • A notable quote from literature describes a small speck on a map, illustrating how tiny things can hold meaning.

Art

  • In painting, artists use specks of color to create texture and depth in their work.
  • Pointillism, an art technique, relies on applying small dots of color to form an image when viewed from a distance.
  • Photorealism often highlights tiny details, showing how even a small speck can add to the overall beauty of an artwork.

Cultural References

  • Expressions like 'not a speck of doubt' highlight how small things can significantly impact perceptions.
  • In some cultures, 'specks' are associated with superstitions, where even small signs can hold meaning.
  • The concept of 'specks' is often used in literature to explore themes of perspective and importance.

Translations

Translations of the word "speck" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ponto

🇮🇳 बिंदु

🇩🇪 Punkt

🇮🇩 titik

🇺🇦 точка

🇵🇱 punkt

🇯🇵 点 (てん)

🇫🇷 point

🇪🇸 punto

🇹🇷 nokta

🇰🇷 점

🇸🇦 نقطة

🇨🇿 bod

🇸🇰 bod

🇨🇳 点 (diǎn)

🇸🇮 točka

🇮🇸 punktur

🇰🇿 нүкте

🇬🇪 წერტილი

🇦🇿 nöqtə

🇲🇽 punto

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,719, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.