mottled

USAGE SUMMARY

“mottled” is a completely correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective that is used to describe something that has spots or patches of different colors or shades. For example: "The mottled stone had distinctive shades of gray and brown scattered across its surface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a tough, working-class region – the landscape is mottled with slag heaps – and, with its long history of mining and poverty, the overall atmosphere is of a French-speaking Yorkshire.

The Guardian - Film

Clouds of black smoke and flames mottled the snow-covered ground.

The Economist

What were once two blue-and-white ceramic bowls in a 17th-century still-life by Jan Jansz Treck are now a mottled greyish-taupe.

The Economist

They are mottled brown butterflies that dance in pools of sunlight in forest glades.

The Economist

And coins single, coins stacked, coins once in stacks now collapsed into spreading piles, some coins mottled in the ferrous oxide orange and brown from the rusting engines, others with their original mint lustre.

The Economist

Their mottled gray bodies are darker above than below, and they usually attain a length of 3.5 to 5 metres (11.5 to 16.4 feet), with males being larger than females.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ordinarily coloured green, nephrite is commonly mottled or flecked with dark inclusions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The hen, about one-third smaller, is mottled brown with a rusty breast patch.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Species of Paphiopedilum, a genus of 62 tropical Asian lady's slippers, have mottled or greenish leaves with a leathery texture and large, waxy flowers of various colours.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The fruits can be naturally banded, striped, or mottled in various shades of yellow and green, though some are solid brown-white and suitable for painting.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Another variation, no doubt at first accidental, is the glaze known in the West as "peach bloom," a pinkish red mottled with russet spots and tinged with green.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing natural textures like stone, bark, or animal coats, use "mottled" to convey a realistic, organic variation in color.

Common error

Avoid using "mottled" when you mean "motivated". "Mottled" refers to a color pattern, while "motivated" refers to being driven or inspired to do something.

Linguistic Context

The word "mottled" functions primarily as an adjective, describing a surface or object marked with spots or patches of different colors or shades. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

35%

News & Media

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mottled" is a versatile adjective used to describe surfaces with irregular patterns of color. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, from describing animal coats to geological formations. Its frequency is very common, and its use spans encyclopedias, news articles, and scientific publications. When writing, remember that "mottled" refers to color patterns, not motivation, and consider alternatives like "spotted" or "dappled" for nuanced descriptions. The examples in Ludwig highlight its descriptive power, aiding in vivid communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spotted

Describes a pattern of dots or small areas of contrasting color, focusing on distinct, separated marks.

dappled

Suggests a pattern of light and shadow, often implying a gentle, uneven distribution of brightness.

speckled

Indicates a pattern of tiny spots or specks spread across a surface.

streaked

Describes long, thin lines or marks of color running across a surface.

marbled

Mimics the veined appearance of marble, with swirling patterns of color.

patchy

Suggests uneven areas of color or texture, with distinct, irregular patches.

variegated

Describes a surface with different colors or shades in an irregular pattern.

blotchy

Indicates large, irregular marks or stains of color.

stippled

Implies a pattern created by small dots or points.

flecked

Similar to speckled, but often suggests slightly larger, more noticeable marks.

FAQs

How can I use "mottled" in a sentence?

Use "mottled" to describe something that has spots or patches of different colors or shades, for example, "The snake had "mottled skin"".

What words are similar to "mottled"?

Similar words include "spotted", "dappled", "speckled", or "variegated" depending on the specific type of pattern you want to describe.

Is it correct to say "mottled with"?

Yes, it's correct. You can say something is "mottled with" a particular color or substance, such as "The landscape is "mottled with slag heaps"".

What’s the difference between "mottled" and "marbled"?

"Mottled" generally refers to irregular spots or patches, while "marbled" describes a swirling, veined pattern that resembles marble. They both describe patterns, but "marbled" is more about smooth, flowing transitions between colors.