Spot: meaning, definitions and examples

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spot

 

[ spɒt ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

on the ground

a small round mark or area that is a different color or texture from the surface it is on

Synonyms

dot, mark, stain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
spot

Used to refer to a small, specific area or location, often circular, and can also mean a blemish or a small amount of something.

  • There's a spot on the map where we should meet.
  • Look at that spot on your shirt.
mark

Can refer to a small area different from its surroundings, a symbol or indicator. Often used in both literal and figurative contexts, and can sometimes imply a negative connotation if it refers to a blemish.

  • There is a mark on the wall from the painting.
  • Make a mark where you want the cut.
dot

Mainly refers to a small, round mark made by or as if by a pointed instrument, often used literally and in contexts like punctuation or design.

  • She has a cute dot on her nose.
  • Place a dot at the end of the sentence.
stain

Used when talking about a colored patch or dirty mark that is difficult to remove, typically on fabric or surfaces. It carries a slightly negative connotation as it often implies something undesirable.

  • There's a coffee stain on the carpet.
  • His clothes were stained with paint.

Examples of usage

  • The dog has a black spot on its back.
  • She noticed a spot of paint on her shoe.
Context #2 | Noun

in a specific place

a particular place or point

Synonyms

area, location, site.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
spot

Used to refer to a specific point or place, often small or distinct. Common in casual or everyday conversations.

  • We found a great spot for a picnic
  • She has a favorite spot in the park
location

Used to specify a precise place or position, often in formal or specific contexts like travel, business, or mapping.

  • The location of the meeting has been changed
  • This is a popular vacation location
site

Typically refers to a place where something is or will be located, often related to construction, events, or historical significance.

  • The construction site is busy with workers
  • This is the site of the ancient ruins
area

Refers to a larger, often undefined space or region. Suitable for general discussions about spaces or regions.

  • This area is known for its beautiful scenery
  • The play area is over there

Examples of usage

  • This is my favorite spot in the park.
  • We found a nice spot for a picnic.
Context #3 | Verb

to see

to see or notice someone or something

Synonyms

notice, observe, see.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
spot

Used when referring to recognizing or detecting something or someone, often with some difficulty or when they are not immediately obvious.

  • I managed to spot her in the crowded room.
  • He spotted the error in the report.
see

Used in a broad sense to mean perceiving something with the eyes. Can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts and is the most general term among the group.

  • I can see the mountains from my window.
  • Do you see what I mean?
notice

Employed when referring to becoming aware of something or someone, usually without actively searching for it. Often used in a casual or everyday context.

  • Did you notice the new painting on the wall?
  • She didn't notice the time and was late for the meeting.
observe

Used when referring to watching something or someone carefully, often for a specific purpose or to gain information. Can be used in scientific or formal contexts.

  • The scientist observed the behavior of the animals in the wild.
  • You need to observe all traffic rules while driving.

Examples of usage

  • She spotted a familiar face in the crowd.
  • I spotted a typo in the document.

Translations

Translations of the word "spot" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ponto

🇮🇳 स्थान

🇩🇪 Stelle

🇮🇩 tempat

🇺🇦 місце

🇵🇱 miejsce

🇯🇵 場所 (ばしょ)

🇫🇷 endroit

🇪🇸 lugar

🇹🇷 yer

🇰🇷 장소

🇸🇦 بقعة

🇨🇿 místo

🇸🇰 miesto

🇨🇳 地点

🇸🇮 mesto

🇮🇸 staður

🇰🇿 орын

🇬🇪 ადგილი

🇦🇿 yer

🇲🇽 lugar

Etymology

The word 'spot' originated from Old English 'spott', meaning 'a speck, mark, or stain'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to refer to a small mark or area that is different from its surroundings. Over time, 'spot' has evolved to have various meanings, including a particular place, a point, or the act of seeing or noticing something. Today, 'spot' remains a common word in everyday language, used in contexts ranging from describing physical marks to indicating specific locations.

See also: spotless, spotlessness, spotlight, spotlighted, spots, spotted, spotter, spotting, spotty.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,966, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.