🔊 Pronunciation: /ˈmɒtl/
(MOT-l)
🗣️ Part of Speech: Verb / Noun
Definition:
Mottle can be used as a verb meaning to mark or diversify with spots or blotches of color.
As a noun, it refers to a pattern of irregular spots, streaks, or blotches.
Examples:
- "The sunlight mottled the forest floor through the leaves."
- "Her dress had a beautiful mottle of colors, blending blues and greens."
- "The old wall was mottled with stains from years of rain."
(Shows the forest floor marked with irregular patches of light and shadow.)
(Refers to the spotted or blotchy pattern on the fabric.)
(Describes irregular discoloration or blotches on the wall.)
🧠 Bonus Tip:
The word mottle comes from the Middle English mot, meaning speck or spot.
- As a verb, it describes the action of creating spots or blotches.
- As a noun, it refers to the pattern that results from these spots.
💡 Think of it like:
A patchy, speckled surface, whether natural, like stone or leaves, or manmade, like paint or fabric.
Use “mottle” when describing irregular spots, streaks, or patches of color or light.