Definition

Adjective: 1. Patterned with alternating squares of color: Having a pattern composed of squares, typically of two alternating colors, like a chessboard. 2. Marked by varied fortunes or experiences: Characterized by periods of both success and failure, or by a mix of good and bad events.

Usage

The primary use of "chequered" (also spelled "checkered" in American English) is to describe a physical pattern. Its figurative use to describe a history or career is also common. - As an adjective describing a pattern: A chequered tablecloth. - As an adjective describing a history: He has a chequered past.

Examples

• Describing a pattern:
  • The race car had a distinctive chequered flag design.
  • She wore a chequered scarf in black and white.
• Describing a history or experience:
  • The company has a chequered financial history, with years of profit followed by severe losses.
  • His chequered career included stints as a teacher, a sailor, and a novelist.

Advanced Usage

• "A chequered flag": In motor racing, the black-and-white chequered flag is waved to signal the end of a race.
  • The driver accelerated as he saw the chequered flag.
• "A chequered past": A common idiom implying a history containing disreputable, controversial, or varied episodes.
  • The politician's chequered past was frequently discussed by the media.

Variants and Related Words

• Checkered (adj): The American English spelling of "chequered". It carries the same definitions.
  • He bought a checkered shirt.
• Checker (verb): To mark with a pattern of squares or to variegate.
  • Sunlight checkered the forest floor.
• Chequer (noun/verb): A less common variant, primarily British, referring to the pattern or the act of marking with it.

Synonyms

• Patterned: Having a decorative design.
• Variegated: Exhibiting different colors, especially as irregular patches or streaks.
• Tessellated: Decorated with a mosaic pattern, often of squares.
• Eventful: Full of interesting or significant events (for the figurative sense).

Related Phrases

• Chequered history: A past containing both positive and negative elements.
• Chequered career: A professional life with many changes, ups, and downs.

Idioms

• A chequered past: An idiom specifically referring to a personal history that includes periods of questionable behavior, misfortune, or great variety.
  • Despite his chequered past, he became a respected member of the community.

Adjective

1. patterned with alternating squares of color