blot etymology

Etymology:

• Middle English: blott, blot, from Proto-Germanic blōdaz, meaning "stain, blot"

Meaning and Origin:

The word "blot" has multiple meanings and nuances:

1. Stain or Mark:

• A spot or mark on a surface, usually of a darker or discolored shade.
• For example: "The ink blotted the paper."

2. Disfigurement or Flaw:

• A blemish or imperfection that mars the appearance or value of something.
• For example: "There was a blot on the child's otherwise perfect record."

3. Moral or Ethical Stain:

• A disgrace or blemish on someone's reputation or character.
• For example: "The scandal left an indelible blot on the politician's career."

4. Mixing of Colors or Liquids:

• The process of combining different colors or liquids to create a blended effect.
• For example: "The painter carefully blotted the colors together to achieve a smooth gradient."

Origin:

The word "blot" is derived from the Proto-Germanic root blōdaz, which is related to the words "blood" and "bloodletting." This likely refers to the act of staining something with a liquid, such as blood.

Over time, the meaning of "blot" expanded to include other types of stains and marks, as well as the concept of a blemish or flaw. The word has also been used in literary and metaphorical contexts to describe any kind of negative mark or disfigurement.

blot relate terms

• blotch

  Etymology The word blotch is ultimately derived from the Proto Indo European root plek

• blot

  Etymology Middle English blott blot from Proto Germanic blōdaz meaning stain blo

• blotter

  Etymology The word blotter is derived from the Old French word blot or blotte whi

• blot

  Etymology Middle English blott blot from Proto Germanic blōdaz meaning stain blo

• smear

  Etymology The word smear comes from the Middle English word smere which means fat

• smirch

  Etymology The word smirch comes from the Middle English word smirken which itself de

• spot

  Etymology The word spot traces its origins back to Old English OE specifically to t

• obliterate

  Etymology The word obliterate derives from the Latin verb obliterare meaning to blo

• expunge

  Etymology Latin expungere to strike out cancel erase From ex out from pungere

• delete

  Meaning To permanently remove or erase something To terminate or stop the existence of

• escutcheon

  Etymology The word escutcheon comes from the Old French word escuchon which itself i

• smudge

  Etymology Middle English smogen from Old English smōcian meaning to smoke smolder

• post

  Etymology From Middle English post from Anglo Norman and Old French post from Latin p