blot
noun (countable)
A spot or stain, typically one that is unwanted or difficult to remove.
Example Sentences
There was a noticeable blot on his white shirt that he couldn't remove.
The ink blot spread across the paper, obscuring the rest of the text.
She tried to clean the blot from the carpet using a special cleaner.
The artist used a blot to add texture to his painting, giving it a unique appearance.
After spilling coffee, a blot appeared on the important documents, causing distress.
During the investigation, the detective found a blot on the otherwise pristine evidence.
The fabric had a blot that ruined the otherwise beautiful pattern, making it unsellable.
In an effort to hide the mistake, he placed a blot over the error, hoping it wouldn't be noticed.
Thesaurus
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verb (transitive)
To dry (something) by pressing a cloth against it; to mark or stain with a blot.
Example Sentences
She quickly blotted the spilled juice with a paper towel to prevent it from soaking into the carpet.
The writer accidentally blotted the ink on the manuscript, making parts of it unreadable.
He used a cloth to blot the excess oil from the frying pan, ensuring a less greasy meal.
After the tear, she had to blot her tears discreetly to avoid drawing attention.
During the calligraphy workshop, students were taught how to properly blot their brushes to achieve the desired thickness.
In an effort to fix the mistake, he tried to blot the ink blot without worsening the smudge.
The nurse instructed him to blot the wound gently to stop the bleeding before applying a bandage.
As the rain began to pour, she had to blot her umbrella to keep it from dripping water inside.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A small stain or smear causing disfigurement or damage.As a verb, “blot” typically means to soak up, cover, or obscure something—often to remove a stain or unwanted mark. You might say, “Blot the ink with a paper towel,” indicating you press gently to lift a spill rather than wiping it, which could spread it further. In a figurative sense, 'blot' can also mean to tarnish or spoil someone’s reputation: “The scandal blotted his good name,” suggesting a stain on his public image. As a noun, it refers to the actual stain or mark: “A blot of ink ruined the page.” Whether you’re dealing with spilled coffee on a shirt or referencing a moral blemish, 'blot' conveys the idea of an unsightly spot or tarnishing effect. When using “blot” in practical settings (like cleaning), emphasize pressing and lifting motions—especially on carpets or fabrics—to avoid spreading the stain. If you’re working with sensitive surfaces like delicate cloth or antique papers, be gentle, using absorptive materials like microfiber cloths or blotting paper. 'Blotting paper' is specially designed for soaking up ink and moisture without smearing. If referencing reputational damage, clarify the nature of the wrongdoing or incident that caused the 'blot.' In writing, pairing 'blot' with adjectives helps specify the nature of the stain—like a 'persistent blot' for a stubborn stain, or a 'deep moral blot' for a serious character issue. In a creative context, you might describe an entire scene overshadowed by a 'dark blot on their otherwise peaceful afternoon,' capturing both the literal and figurative aspects of the word. Whether you’re spotlighting physical spills or metaphorical tarnishes, 'blot' effectively underscores the sudden, sometimes indelible mark that disrupts clarity or purity.
Alternatives
If you need similar words for describing marks or stains, consider 'stain,' 'spot,' or 'smudge.' Each focuses on the physical mark left behind. A 'stain' is often permanent or at least challenging to remove, while a 'spot' can be small or discreet. 'Smudge' typically implies a smearing effect—like makeup or paint spreading across a surface. If you’re discussing accidental ink or drink spills, 'dab' conveys a gentle motion of patting away a liquid—slightly different than 'blot,' yet helpful in explaining the cleaning process. For metaphorical usage around reputational harm, 'blemish' or 'tarnish' may apply, though 'tarnish' often suggests gradual corrosion or reduction of luster rather than a sudden mark. 'Sully' or 'mar' also indicate a defacement or lowering of status. Each alternative carries a unique nuance: 'sully' has an archaic or formal feel, while 'mar' is concise and sharp. Choose these words based on context—whether you want to emphasize the permanence of a spot, the motion of cleaning, or the emotional weight of discrediting someone’s reputation.
Writing
When writing about 'blot,' precision is key to convey both the nature of the mark and its effects. If you’re describing a physical blot—say, a food spill or ink stain—paint a vivid picture: highlight its color, texture, and shape. Sensory details can enhance the reader’s immersion: 'A dark blot of coffee spread across the pristine tablecloth.' In narratives, you might present a blot as a catalyst for tension—someone’s prized possession becomes soiled, sparking frustration or embarrassment. If your focus is metaphorical, be clear about the repercussions of the 'blot' on a person’s name or reputation, illustrating how a single misdeed can overshadow past achievements. Organize your paragraphs so readers easily track the cause, effect, and resolution of the blot. For instance, if a character in a story must deal with a literal stain, describe their reaction and the cleaning process—do they panic, or do they calmly handle it? If you’re using 'blot' academically or in a technical guide (like a manual for art preservation), specify the recommended steps for blotting versus wiping, and mention suitable cleaning agents or surfaces. Conclude by tying the blot to a larger theme: a small stain can symbolically represent deeper flaws or regrets. Balance descriptive prose with clarity, ensuring 'blot' works seamlessly in your narrative or expository text without confusing your readers. By weaving in emotional or practical stakes, you demonstrate the significance of even the smallest mark—both literally and figuratively.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, 'blot' may pop up when you’re talking about stains on clothes, furniture, or important documents. You might say, 'I spilled juice on my shirt, so I need to blot it up fast.' Friends sharing cleaning hacks could recommend 'Just blot it with a clean towel—don’t rub!' letting you know the difference between blotting and smearing. Meanwhile, if someone messed up at work, a colleague might comment jokingly, 'Well, that’s a little blot on your performance record,' suggesting a minor but noticeable blemish on otherwise good standing. Sometimes you’ll hear it figuratively when discussing big stories in the news—like if a public figure commits a scandal, people might call it 'a blot on their legacy.' In casual settings, 'blot' often stays simple and direct, focusing on quick solutions (like using paper towels) or minor mishaps. You’re unlikely to hear it all the time—words like 'stain' or 'spot' can be more common—but 'blot' has a specific sense of dabbing or tainting that stands out. It’s especially useful if you’re sharing a cleaning tip or gently pointing out someone’s small mistake without sounding too harsh. Overall, 'blot' conveys the notion of a mark that’s noticeable, possibly fixable, but definitely unwanted—whether literal or figurative. Keep the context clear, and it’ll blend seamlessly into casual conversation about daily spills or shortfalls, adding a bit of color to your chat without being overdramatic.
Etymology
The word 'blot' has roots in Middle English and possibly Old Norse ('blotna'), historically carrying the sense of blemishing or soiling. In older forms of English, 'blot' might also have signified a patch of color or a smudge, extending figuratively to moral or social disgrace. As literacy and record-keeping grew, accidental ink blots on documents became emblematic of careless errors or sloppiness, further shaping the negative connotation. Over time, 'blot' became an umbrella term for any unsightly mark—whether literal, as in a stain on clothing, or metaphorical, as in a blot on one’s reputation. During the growth of printing and the proliferation of pen-and-ink writing, the concept of blotting paper emerged: a thick, absorbent sheet used to dab away excess ink. This helped define 'blot' even more clearly as a mark you might actively try to remove or minimize. Its lasting presence in both physical and abstract contexts—cleaning, moral judgments, historical accounts—demonstrates how language around visibility, clarity, and tarnish intertwines with everyday life. Whether referencing a small household mishap or a character flaw, 'blot' retains a consistent idea of something unwanted that spoils or taints what was otherwise clean or unmarred.