pied
/paid/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Having sections or patches colored differently and usually brightly: Describes something, often an animal's coat, fabric, or surface, that is marked with two or more distinct colors in an irregular pattern of patches or spots.
Usage
The adjective "pied" is used to describe the appearance of something that is multi-colored in a patchy, blotchy, or spotted manner. It is a literary and somewhat formal term, most commonly associated with the coats of animals (like horses, dogs, or birds) but can also apply to other patterned surfaces. It implies a natural, irregular pattern rather than a designed one.
Examples
- Adjective:
- The children were delighted by the pied pony at the fair.
- A pied wagtail is a common bird in European gardens.
- The old, pied marble of the church floor told stories of centuries past.
Advanced Usage
- "Pied Piper": A figure from a German legend, often used metaphorically to describe a charismatic leader who attracts followers, sometimes to their detriment. This is a proper noun derived from the character's traditionally multi-colored clothing.
- The populist politician was called a modern Pied Piper, leading his supporters with empty promises.
Variants and Related Words
- Piebald (adj): Specifically describing an animal, especially a horse, with irregular patches of two colors, typically black and white.
- She rode a beautiful piebald mare.
- Skewbald (adj): Describing an animal with irregular patches of white and a color other than black (e.g., brown, red).
- The skewbald pony had patches of white and chestnut.
- Motley (adj): Similar to "pied" but can also imply a jumbled, heterogeneous mixture, not just of colors but of types. Often used for a jester's costume.
- The crowd was a motley assembly of people from all walks of life.
- Parti-colored (adj): A more general synonym for "pied," meaning having different colors in different parts.
- She wore a parti-colored scarf.
Synonyms
- Variegated: Exhibiting different colors, especially as irregular patches or streaks.
- Dappled: Marked with spots or rounded patches of color or light.
- Brindled: (Especially of domestic animals) Brownish or tawny with streaks of other color.
Antonyms
- Solid: Of one uniform color.
- Monochrome: Containing or using only one color.
- Plain: Not patterned or decorated.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- (To be) pied (archaic/poetic): While not a common phrasal verb, the state of being multi-colored can be described simply as "pied."
- The cliffs were pied with lichens of orange and grey.
Adjective
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having sections or patches colored differently and usually brightly
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a jester dressed in motley
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the painted desert
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a particolored dress
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a piebald horse
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pied daisies
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