What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dappled
Example
The horse's coat was dappled with sunlight shining through the trees. [dappled: adjective]
Example
The dappled leaves of the tree created a beautiful pattern of light and shadow. [dappled: adjective]
speckled
Example
The bird's feathers were speckled with brown and white spots. [speckled: adjective]
Example
The speckled pattern on the eggshell made it look like a work of art. [speckled: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Speckled is more commonly used than dappled in everyday language. Speckled is a more straightforward and descriptive word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while dappled is a more poetic or artistic word that is less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dappled and speckled?
Both dappled and speckled are relatively formal words that are more likely to be used in written or literary contexts than in everyday conversation.
