freckle
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈfrɛkəl/
KK: /ˈfrɛkəl/
noun
Definition
A tiny brown spot on the skin that often appears after being in the sun.
Example
She has a few freckles on her nose that become more visible in the summer.
Conversation
I just noticed that I have a new freckle on my arm.
Oh really? That happens to me every summer.
Yeah, I guess the sun brings them out more.
For sure! They can be cute, though.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
spot
blemish
mark
Antonyms
clear
smooth
even
transitive verb
Definition
To cover or mark with small, light brown spots on the skin, often caused by sun exposure.
Example
She decided to freckle her canvas with colorful dots for the art project.
Tense Forms
Past: freckled
Past Participle: freckled
Conversation
I love how the sun can freckle my skin during summer.
Yeah, it gives such a nice glow!
I wish I could freckle more evenly like you do.
Root Explanation
Freckle → The word originates from Old English 'freck' (meaning a spot or freckle) and the diminutive suffix '-le'. It refers to small spots on the skin, typically caused by sun exposure.
Memory Tip
Think of small 'spots' ('freck') on the skin, and the '-le' makes it sound like a small version of that. This helps you remember that a freckle is a small spot on the skin.
Visually Confused Words
befreckle
unfreckled
foretackle
spreckle
retackle
reckless
rebuckle
fleckled