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Spots: meaning, definitions and examples

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spots

 

[spɒts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

on skin

Small, round marks on a surface, often a different color or texture than the surrounding area. Spots can be caused by various reasons such as acne, sun exposure, or skin conditions.

Synonyms

blemish, mark, stain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
spots

Commonly used to refer to small, often round areas of something different from the main surrounding color. Frequently used in the context of skin imperfections or specific locations.

  • She has a few spots on her face.
  • There are many beautiful spots to visit in this city.
blemish

Used to describe a small flaw or imperfection, especially on the skin. Can refer to any imperfections that mar the appearance of something.

  • The mirror had a tiny blemish.
  • She felt self-conscious about the blemish on her cheek.
mark

A general term for any kind of visible sign or indication on a surface. Can be used in a wide variety of contexts, from skin and paper to reputations.

  • He left a mark on the table.
  • The doctor checked the mark on her skin.
  • His actions left a mark on his reputation.
stain

Typically used to describe a discoloration or spot caused by a substance such as ink, dye, or food. Often carries a negative connotation as it implies something has been dirtied or spoiled.

  • There is a wine stain on the carpet.
  • Her shirt had a coffee stain.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor examined the spots on my skin and determined they were harmless freckles.
  • She applied a cream to help fade the dark spots on her face.
  • His face was covered in red spots after spending too much time in the sun.
Context #2 | Noun

on animals

Distinctive markings or patterns on the fur or skin of an animal. Spots can be used for camouflage, identification, or attracting mates.

Synonyms

dots, flecks, speckles.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
spots

Use 'spots' when referring to distinct, circular marks or stains, often on a surface or skin.

  • She noticed some red spots on her arm.
  • The table had water spots after the glass was removed.
speckles

Use 'speckles' for small spots or patches, usually forming a pattern, often used to describe animal coats, eggs, or other surfaces.

  • The bird's eggs had brown speckles.
  • His coat was covered in white speckles.
dots

Use 'dots' for small, round marks or points, often used in design or art, or in specific contexts like Morse code.

  • The artist added dots to the painting for texture.
  • Connect the dots to see the picture.
flecks

Use 'flecks' for tiny spots or marks, often irregular in shape, generally used when the spots are part of a pattern or naturally occurring.

  • The stones had flecks of gold.
  • Her eyes had flecks of green and brown.

Examples of usage

  • The cheetah's spots help it blend in with the grasslands while hunting.
  • The Dalmatian breed of dog is known for its black spots on a white coat.
  • The butterfly had vibrant spots on its wings to warn predators of its toxicity.
Context #3 | Verb

seeing something

To see, notice, or identify something, especially briefly or in passing. Often used in the context of quickly observing something.

Synonyms

detect, discern, notice.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
spots

This word is typically used to reference physical locations, marks, or places, but can also mean to notice something. It can be used both in casual and formal contexts.

  • She found spots on the map that seemed interesting.
  • He spots his friend in the crowd.
notice

A common term used to indicate becoming aware of something or someone spontaneously or effortlessly. Can be used in both casual and professional settings.

  • Did you notice the new poster on the wall?
  • I noticed she was upset.
detect

Used when finding or identifying something that may not be immediately obvious. Often used in formal or technical contexts, such as science, security, or health.

  • The scientists were able to detect traces of the chemical.
  • Security systems can detect unauthorized access.
discern

Used when distinguishing or recognizing something with effort or careful consideration. Often applied in intellectual or literary contexts.

  • She could discern a slight difference in the two paintings.
  • It was hard to discern his true intentions.

Examples of usage

  • I spotted a deer in the distance while hiking through the forest.
  • She spotted a typo in the report before submitting it to her boss.
  • Can you spot the difference between these two pictures?

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'spot' originates from the Old English 'spona,' meaning a small mark or stain.
  • It has cognates in various languages, such as 'espa' in Latin and 'spotte' in Middle English, both reflecting similar meanings of marking or staining.

Biology

  • Many animals, like leopards and giraffes, have spots as a form of camouflage, helping them blend into their environments.
  • In the human body, liver spots are brown marks that often appear on the skin as a result of aging or sun exposure.

Art and Design

  • Polka dots became popular in fashion during the 1920s, often used in playful clothing and accessories.
  • In art, spots can convey movement, energy, or interest, as seen in pointillism where paintings are created using distinct dots of color.

Culture

  • In some cultures, certain spots or patterns are used in traditional tattooing, symbolizing identity or heritage.
  • Spot motifs have been used in various indigenous art forms to represent different elements of nature or storytelling.

Science

  • In astronomy, star spots are cooler, darker areas on a star's surface, similar to sunspots which can affect solar activity.
  • Spots in infections, like chickenpox, are caused by the body’s immune response to a virus, appearing as rashes on the skin.

Translations

Translations of the word "spots" in other languages:

🇵🇹 manchas

🇮🇳 धब्बे

🇩🇪 Flecken

🇮🇩 noda

🇺🇦 плями

🇵🇱 plamy

🇯🇵 斑点 (はんてん)

🇫🇷 taches

🇪🇸 manchas

🇹🇷 lekeler

🇰🇷 반점 (banjeom)

🇸🇦 بقع

🇨🇿 skvrny

🇸🇰 škvrny

🇨🇳 斑点 (bāndiǎn)

🇸🇮 madeži

🇮🇸 blettir

🇰🇿 дақтар

🇬🇪 ლაქები

🇦🇿 ləklər

🇲🇽 manchas

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,989, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.