Variegate: meaning, definitions and examples

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variegate

 

[ ˈvɛrɪɡeɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

color variation

To variegate means to alter the appearance of something by adding different colors or marks. It is often used in the context of plants that display different colors in their leaves or flowers.

Synonyms

diversify, motley, variety.

Examples of usage

  • The artist chose to variegate the background to enhance the painting's depth.
  • Certain species of plants are naturally inclined to variegate, offering a spectrum of colors in their foliage.
  • The designer decided to variegate the fabric patterns to create a more dynamic visual effect.
Context #2 | Verb

botanical term

In botany, to variegate refers specifically to the process by which a plant has patches of two or more colors due to the presence or absence of chlorophyll. This trait is often sought after by gardeners for its decorative appeal.

Synonyms

colorize, dapple, mark.

Examples of usage

  • The houseplant was admired for its ability to variegate, showcasing beautiful shades of green and cream.
  • Horticulturists often strive to breed new varieties of flowers that will variegate in unique patterns.
  • Aquatic plants can also variegate, leading to striking contrasts in underwater gardens.

Translations

Translations of the word "variegate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 variegado

🇮🇳 विविधता

🇩🇪 variieren

🇮🇩 beragam

🇺🇦 різноманітити

🇵🇱 urozmaicać

🇯🇵 多様化する

🇫🇷 variété

🇪🇸 variar

🇹🇷 çeşitlendirmek

🇰🇷 다양하다

🇸🇦 تنويع

🇨🇿 rozcestí

🇸🇰 rozmanitosť

🇨🇳 多样化

🇸🇮 različnost

🇮🇸 fjölbreytni

🇰🇿 әртүрлі

🇬🇪 მრავალფეროვნება

🇦🇿 müxtəlifləşdirmək

🇲🇽 variar

Etymology

The term 'variegate' comes from the Latin word 'variāre,' which means 'to change' or 'to alter.' This root is related to the Latin 'varius,' meaning 'varied' or 'diverse.' The usage of 'variegate' in English dates back to the early 17th century, initially relating to the diversification of colors and later expanding to include variations in other contexts. Over time, it became particularly associated with gardening and botany, where variegation in plants is appreciated for aesthetic purposes. The concept has since been adopted in various fields, including art and design, to describe the introduction of variation in color and pattern.