What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
variegated
Example
The variegated flowers in the garden were stunning. [variegated: adjective]
Example
The variegated leaves of the plant added a pop of color to the room. [variegated: adjective]
Example
She wore a variegated scarf that matched her outfit perfectly. [variegated: adjective]
spotted
Example
The Dalmatian had black spots on its white fur. [spotted: adjective]
Example
She noticed a spotted mushroom growing in the woods. [spotted: adjective]
Example
The tablecloth was spotted with red wine stains. [spotted: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spotted is more commonly used than variegated in everyday language. Spotted is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while variegated is less common and often used in specific contexts such as gardening or design.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between variegated and spotted?
Both variegated and spotted are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.