Spotted: meaning, definitions and examples

🔍

Add to dictionary

spotted

[ˈspɒtɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

animal pattern

Having spots or markings

Synonyms

dotted, mottled, speckled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spotted	Used to describe something that has various distinct spots or marks. Often used for animals or fabrics. The dalmatian has a beautiful spotted coat She wore a spotted dress to the party
dotted	Refers to something that has a pattern of small, evenly spaced dots. Commonly used in fashion and design. Her blouse is white with red dotted patterns The artist uses a dotted technique to create texture
speckled	Indicates something that is covered or decorated with small spots or specks. Often used for food, animals, or surfaces. The bird laid speckled eggs in the nest His face was speckled with freckles
mottled	Describes something that has irregular spots or patches of different colors. Usually used for natural surfaces or materials. The old book had a mottled cover from years of wear The frog's skin was mottled with shades of green and brown

Examples of usage

The leopard is easily recognized by its spotted coat
She wore a dress with a spotted design

^{Context #2 | Verb}

observing

Notice or see (someone or something) at a distance

Synonyms

notice, observe, see.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spotted	Used when referring to seeing something or someone, especially after searching for them or in a casual encounter. It often implies a moment of excitement or surprise. She spotted her friend across the crowded room. They spotted the rare bird during their hike.
notice	Appropriate when speaking about becoming aware of something, especially something subtle or not immediately obvious. It often implies a moment of realization. Did you notice that she changed her hairstyle? He didn't notice the time passing by.
see	A general term for the act of perceiving with the eyes. It is neutral and can be used for both casual and formal occasions. I can see the mountains from my window. Did you see that movie last night?
observe	Best suited for situations involving a careful or intentional act of watching or studying something or someone. Often used in scientific or official contexts. The scientist observed the behavior of the animals in the wild. She likes to observe people at the park.

Examples of usage

She spotted her friend in the crowd
The detective spotted the suspect leaving the scene

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'spotted' comes from the Old English 'spot', which referred to a small mark or blemish.
In Middle English, the term evolved with similar connotations related to marking or indicating.
The suffix '-ed' signifies a state or condition in English, indicating something has become marked.

Art and Design

In fashion, polka dots are a popular spotted pattern that symbolizes playfulness.
Artists like Henri Matisse and Georges Braque have used spotted patterns to create dynamic visual effects.
Spots are often used in modern art to create contrast and visual interest, drawing the viewer's eye.

Nature

Many animals, like leopards and ladybugs, have spots as a form of camouflage or signaling to others.
In botany, some plants have spotted leaves which can indicate health or attract pollinators.
Spots in nature can also have meaning; for instance, some caterpillars sport spots that mimic the look of eyes to scare predators.

Psychology

Spots and patterns can have psychological effects; for some, they evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia.
In visual perception, the human brain is wired to notice patterns, including spotted ones, quickly, aiding in survival.
Certain spotted patterns can create illusions of movement or depth due to how our eyes process contrasting colors.

Pop Culture

The Dalmatian dog, known for its black spots, became famous due to Disney's animated movie '101 Dalmatians'.
In sports, 'spotted' is often used to describe scoring positions, especially in cricket where a ball is 'spotted' for fair play.
Spots appear in many logos and branding, often to convey fun, creativity, or childlike wonder.

Translations

Translations of the word "spotted" in other languages:

🇵🇹 manchado

🇮🇳 धब्बेदार

🇩🇪 gefleckt

🇮🇩 berbintik

🇺🇦 плямистий

🇵🇱 cętkowany

🇯🇵 斑点のある

🇫🇷 tacheté

🇪🇸 manchado

🇹🇷 benekli

🇰🇷 얼룩진

🇸🇦 مرقط

🇨🇿 skvrnitý

🇸🇰 škvrnitý

🇨🇳 有斑点的

🇸🇮 pikčast

🇮🇸 blettótt

🇰🇿 дақты

🇬🇪 დაფარულა

🇦🇿 ləkəli

🇲🇽 manchado

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,010 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
7007 disregard
7008 exploring
7009 roller
7010 spotted
7011 sided
7012 predecessor
7013 diminish
...