dapple
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈdæpəl/
KK: /ˈdæpəl/
noun
Definition
A spot or patch of a different color or shade, often found on animals or surfaces.
Example
The horse had a beautiful dapple on its coat that shimmered in the sunlight.
Conversation
I saw the cutest dog at the park yesterday, it had a beautiful dapple coat.
That sounds adorable! Dappled dogs are so unique.
Yeah, it really stood out among the others.
I love how the dapple pattern makes them look so special.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
spot
mark
patch
Antonyms
uniformity
solidity
sameness
transitive verb
Definition
To mark something with spots or patches of color, creating a pattern that is not uniform.
Example
The sunlight dappled the forest floor, creating beautiful patterns of light and shadow.
Tense Forms
Past: dappled
Past Participle: dappled
Conversation
Have you seen how the sunlight dapples through the trees in the park?
Yeah, it's so beautiful! It creates such a nice pattern on the ground.
I love how it can dapple the flowers too, making them look even more vibrant.
Root Explanation
Dapple originates from Middle English 'dapple' (meaning a spot or blotch), which is derived from the Old Norse word 'dǫfl' (meaning a spot or speck). The word describes something that is marked with spots or mottled in color.
Memory Tip
Think of a surface that is 'spotted' or 'marked' — that's what dapple means, referring to something with a pattern of spots.
Visually Confused Words
apple
capple
dale