Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Marked with spots or patches: Having small, distinct areas of a different color or texture on a surface.
   • Blemished or stained: (Less common) Marked with an unwanted mark or stain.

Usage

• The primary use of "spotted" is as an adjective to describe something that has spots.
• It is often used to describe the natural patterns on animals, fabrics, or surfaces.
• It can be used both attributively (before a noun) and predicatively (after a linking verb).

Examples

• Attributive use (before a noun):
  • We saw a spotted deer in the forest.
  • She wore a spotted dress to the party.
• Predicative use (after a linking verb):
  • The leopard's fur is spotted.
  • This fabric is spotted with ink stains.

Advanced Usage

• "Spotted with": Used to indicate what substance or color forms the spots.
  • The old manuscript was spotted with age.
  • The path was spotted with sunlight filtering through the leaves.

Variants and Related Words

• Spot (noun): A small round mark.
  • The cheetah has black spots.
• Spot (verb): To see or notice something.
  • Can you spot the difference?
• Spotty (adjective): Having spots; also means uneven or inconsistent in quality.
  • The service at the restaurant was spotty.
• Speckled (adjective): Covered with many small spots or marks.
  • The bird had speckled eggs.

Synonyms

• Dappled: Marked with spots of a different color or shade.
• Speckled: Covered with many small spots.
• Mottled: Marked with spots or smears of color.
• Flecked: Marked with small patches of color or particles.

Antonyms

• Unblemished: Not damaged or marked.
• Plain: Without a pattern or decoration.
• Uniform: Consistent and unchanging in form or character.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Spotted dick: A traditional British steamed pudding containing dried fruit, often served with custard. (This is a fixed noun phrase, not an idiom using "spotted" figuratively).
• Spotted fever: An old term for certain diseases, like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, that cause a spotted rash. (This is a fixed medical term).

Adjective

1. having spots or patches (small areas of contrasting color or texture)
   • a field patched with ice and snow
   • the wall had a spotty speckled effect
   • a black-and-white spotted cow