What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mottled
Example
The mottled leaves of the plant made it stand out in the garden. [mottled: adjective]
Example
The bird had a mottled brown and white plumage. [mottled: adjective]
Example
The sunburn left her skin looking mottled and uneven. [mottled: adjective]
spotted
Example
The spotted mushrooms were poisonous. [spotted: adjective]
Example
The cheetah had black spots on its golden fur. [spotted: adjective]
Example
She had a few pimples that left her face spotted. [spotted: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spotted is more commonly used than mottled in everyday language. Spotted is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while mottled is less common and has a more specific usage.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between mottled and spotted?
Both mottled and spotted are relatively neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
