blotch etymology

Etymology

The word "blotch" is ultimately derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *plek-, meaning "to strike" or "to fold." This root is also the origin of the words "plaque," "plexus," and "plicate."

Meaning and Origin

In English, "blotch" first appeared in the 14th century as a noun meaning "a spot or discoloration on the skin." It is thought to have been derived from the Old English word "bloec," meaning "pale" or "yellowish." By the 16th century, the word had also come to be used as a verb, meaning "to mark with blotches or spots."

Usage

Today, "blotch" is most commonly used to refer to a spot or discoloration on the skin, often caused by a skin condition or injury. It can also be used figuratively to refer to a flaw or blemish on a person's character or reputation.

Examples

• The child had a red blotch on his face, where he had scraped his knee.
• The painting had several blotches of paint, where the artist had made mistakes.
• The politician's reputation was blotched by a series of scandals.

blotch relate terms

• blot

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

• blotchy

  Etymology From Middle English blocche from Old English blæc meaning black or dark

• blotch

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

• streak

  Etymology Middle English streek Old English strecan Proto Germanic straikjaną

• bolt

  Etymology The word bolt comes from the Old English word bolt which means a short t

• 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

• spot

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

• stop

  Etymology The word stop comes from the Middle English word stoppen which itself deri

• slur

  Etymology The word slur has multiple etymological origins Old English slurrian

• smirch

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

• color

  Color Etymology Color Etymology Origin Black Old English blæc

• smear

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