Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Marked with or consisting of small spots, points, or dots: Describes a surface or pattern that is covered with or composed of numerous small, distinct marks.
   • Having gaps or spaces: Describes a line or sequence that is not continuous, often represented by a series of short marks with spaces between them.
   • Having a pattern of dots: Specifically refers to a design or arrangement characterized by repeated dot-like shapes.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • She wore a dotted dress to the party. (Her dress had a pattern of small dots.)
  • Please sign your name on the dotted line. (Sign on the line made of a series of short dashes.)
  • The map showed a dotted path through the forest. (The path was indicated by a line with gaps, suggesting it was not a major road.)

Advanced Usage

• "Dotted with": Used to describe something that is scattered or interspersed with small items or features.
  • The meadow was dotted with wildflowers. (The meadow had wildflowers scattered across it.)
• "Dotted about/around": Refers to things that are placed or located at various points in an area.
  • Several small cottages are dotted around the lake. (Small cottages are scattered in various locations near the lake.)

Variants and Related Words

• Dot (noun): A small round mark or spot.
  • The letter 'i' has a dot above it.
• Dot (verb): To mark with a dot or dots; to scatter or intersperse.
  • Dot the 'i's and cross the 't's. (Be meticulous.)
  • Boats dotted the harbor. (Boats were scattered across the harbor.)
• Polka-dot (noun/adjective): A pattern of regularly spaced, large dots.
  • She loves her polka-dot umbrella. (Her umbrella has a pattern of large, even dots.)

Synonyms

• Speckled: Covered with many small spots.
• Flecked: Marked with small patches or spots.
• Stippled: Marked with numerous small dots or specks, often referring to a technique in drawing or painting.
• Dashed: Composed of short lines with gaps (specifically for lines).

Related Phrases

• Dotted line: A line made of a series of short dashes, often indicating where a signature is required.
• Dotted rhythm: A musical rhythm in which a note's duration is increased by half, followed by a shorter note (e.g., a dotted quarter note).

Idioms

• Sign on the dotted line: To formally agree to something, especially by signing a contract.
  • After reviewing the terms, he was ready to sign on the dotted line.

Adjective

1. having gaps or spaces
   • sign on the dotted line
2. having a pattern of dots