What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dappled
Example
The forest floor was dappled with sunlight shining through the leaves. [dappled: adjective]
Example
The horse had a dappled coat with spots of different shades. [dappled: adjective]
Example
The artist used a dappled brushstroke technique to create a textured effect. [dappled: adjective]
mottled
Example
The old building had a mottled facade with patches of peeling paint. [mottled: adjective]
Example
The bird had a mottled plumage with spots of different colors. [mottled: adjective]
Example
The artist used a mottled effect to create depth and texture in the painting. [mottled: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mottled is more commonly used than dappled in everyday language. Mottled is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dappled is less common and often used in specific contexts, such as nature or art.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dappled and mottled?
Both dappled and mottled are relatively formal words and may not be commonly used in casual conversation. However, mottled may be slightly more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
