Spotter: meaning, definitions and examples

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spotter

[ˈspɒtə ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in sports

A person who watches a particular activity or event, especially a sport, to check that it is done fairly and according to the rules.

Synonyms

monitor, observer, supervisor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spotter	Used when referring to someone who focuses on identifying specific items, people, or activities, often in a detailed, targeted manner. Frequently associated with sports, safety, and military contexts. The car spotter quickly identified the rare model on the street. During weightlifting, a spotter ensures the lifter's safety by being ready to assist.
observer	Appropriate for someone who watches something attentively in order to gather information, often in a neutral or non-intrusive manner. Commonly used in contexts of research, experiments, and events. The international observers will be overseeing the election to ensure fairness. As a bird watcher, she is a careful observer of the local avian species.
monitor	Used for someone who continually checks or tracks a certain situation, process, or activity over a period of time, often with the goal of making sure everything is functioning correctly or safely. The security guard monitors the surveillance cameras throughout the night. Teachers use software to monitor students' progress in online courses.
supervisor	Refers to someone who oversees the work or tasks of others to ensure that everything is done correctly and efficiently. Common in workplace settings where authority and management are involved. The supervisor makes sure that all employees follow safety protocols. A supervisor is responsible for evaluating the performance of their team members.

Examples of usage

He works as a spotter for the basketball team, making sure the players follow the regulations.
The spotter noticed the illegal move and immediately informed the referee.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in aviation

A person who assists in guiding the pilot of an aircraft, especially during takeoff and landing.

Synonyms

aide, guide, navigator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spotter	This word is used for someone who identifies or locates specific things or people, often in a precise or detailed manner. It can be used in both casual and professional settings. The plane spotter at the airport could identify every type of aircraft The gym spotter helped the lifter with his exercises
guide	Guide is used for someone who shows the way or provides direction, often related to tourism or education. The tour guide led the visitors through the museum The hiking guide showed the group the safest route up the mountain
navigator	Navigator refers to someone who guides the course of a vehicle or ship, often in the context of travel or exploration. The ship's navigator plotted a course through the storm The car's navigator helped them find their destination using GPS
aide	Aide is typically used for someone who provides assistance and support, often in a professional or formal setting such as healthcare or politics. The nurse aide helped the patients with their daily tasks The politician's aide prepared the paperwork for the meeting

Examples of usage

The spotter communicated with the control tower to ensure a safe landing.
The pilot relied on the spotter's instructions to navigate through the fog.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'spot' comes from Middle English and originally meant a small mark or blemish.
The suffix '-er' denotes someone who performs an action, so 'spotter' literally means someone who spots things.
This term began being used in contexts like sports and safety, showcasing its application in various fields.

Sports

In weightlifting, a spotter is a person who assists the lifter to ensure safety during heavy lifts.
In gymnastics, a spotter helps athletes perform tricky maneuvers by providing physical assistance and safety.
The role of a spotter in a team sport can also involve strategizing and helping teammates during play.

Occupational Roles

Many professions, like construction or firefighting, require spotters to ensure safety and awareness of potential hazards.
In aviation, a spotter may refer to someone who observes planes, noting their activities at airports or events.
In the military, spotters are crucial; they assist snipers by providing intel on targets and their surroundings.

Pop Culture

In the world of film, a spotter might refer to someone who identifies important details in scenes for continuity purposes.
In competitive gaming, a spotter can be someone who helps a player by watching their surroundings, similar to a team strategist.
Spotters feature in many detective stories, where characters need to notice small clues that lead to solving mysteries.

Education

In educational settings, a spotter may refer to a tutor or mentor who helps students find and understand difficult concepts.
Peer spotting is a common practice among students to assist one another during study groups, enhancing collaborative learning.
Spotting in the context of education can also relate to identifying learning styles and adapting teaching methods for better comprehension.

Translations

Translations of the word "spotter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 observador

🇮🇳 निगरानी करने वाला

🇩🇪 Beobachter

🇮🇩 pengamat

🇺🇦 спостерігач

🇵🇱 obserwator

🇯🇵 観察者

🇫🇷 observateur

🇪🇸 observador

🇹🇷 gözlemci

🇰🇷 관찰자

🇸🇦 مراقب

🇨🇿 pozorovatel

🇸🇰 pozorovateľ

🇨🇳 观察者

🇸🇮 opazovalec

🇮🇸 áhorfandi

🇰🇿 бақылаушы

🇬🇪 დამკვირვებელი

🇦🇿 müşahidəçi

🇲🇽 observador

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,898 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
31895 bumbling
31896 hymnal
31897 brainwashed
31898 spotter
31899 ambling
31900 gyroscopic
31901 crony
...