spotty
|spot/ty|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈspɑːti/
🇬🇧
/ˈspɒti/
marked with spots
Etymology
Etymology Information
'spotty' originates from the word 'spot,' which comes from Middle English 'spotte,' meaning 'a mark or stain.'
Historical Evolution
'spotte' transformed into the modern English word 'spotty,' retaining the idea of marked or stained appearance.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'marked with spots,' but over time it evolved to also mean 'inconsistent or uneven in quality.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having spots or patches of color.
The spotty dog ran across the field.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
inconsistent or uneven in quality or performance.
The internet connection was spotty at best.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42