Spotted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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spotted
[ˈspɒtɪd ]
Definitions
animal pattern
Having spots or markings
Synonyms
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.
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| dotted |
Refers to something that has a pattern of small, evenly spaced dots. Commonly used in fashion and design.
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| speckled |
Indicates something that is covered or decorated with small spots or specks. Often used for food, animals, or surfaces.
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| mottled |
Describes something that has irregular spots or patches of different colors. Usually used for natural surfaces or materials.
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Examples of usage
- The leopard is easily recognized by its spotted coat
- She wore a dress with a spotted design
observing
Notice or see (someone or something) at a distance
Synonyms
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.
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| notice |
Appropriate when speaking about becoming aware of something, especially something subtle or not immediately obvious. It often implies a moment of realization.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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Examples of usage
- She spotted her friend in the crowd
- The detective spotted the suspect leaving the scene
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'spotted'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'spotted' originates from the verb 'spot', which has been in use since the 14th century. It is derived from the Middle English word 'spotten', meaning to stain or mark. Over time, 'spotted' evolved to describe the presence of spots or markings on something. The adjective 'spotted' has been commonly used in the context of animal patterns and in the act of observing or noticing something at a distance.
See also: spot, spotless, spotlessness, spotlight, spotlighted, spots, spotter, spotting, spotty.