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spot
/spɒt/
a small area or point
She found a spot on the carpet.
She noticed a small mark or area on the carpet.
general
a small area or point
The dog left a spot on the floor.
The dog made a small mark on the floor.
Can refer to a physical mark, location, or abstract concept.
general
a place or location
We need to find a good spot for the picnic.
We need to find a suitable place for the picnic.
Often used informally to refer to a location.
informal
a small amount or portion
Can I have a spot of tea?
Can I have a small amount of tea?
Common in British English.
informal
a difficult situation or problem
He got himself into a spot of trouble.
He got himself into a difficult situation.
Often used with 'in a spot' or 'in a tight spot'.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
'Spot' is often used informally to refer to a small area, a location, or a small amount of something.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
The meaning of 'spot' can vary greatly depending on the context. Pay attention to how it is used in a sentence.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'spotte', from Old English 'spott', meaning 'mark, stain, or spot'. Related to Old Norse 'spǫtr' and Old High German 'spezza'.
Usage Notes
The word 'spot' is versatile and can refer to physical marks, locations, or abstract concepts. It is commonly used in informal contexts to describe small amounts or difficult situations.
Word Breakdown
spot
a small area or point
rootEnglish Dictionary