Definition

A dark mark or pattern created by spilled ink, often used in psychological tests to analyze a person's thoughts or feelings.

Example

The psychologist showed me an inkblot and asked what I saw in it.

Conversation

Have you ever seen an inkblot test before?

Yeah, I remember those from psychology class.

I think some of the shapes are really interesting, don’t you?

Definitely! They can look like anything depending on how you interpret them.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Inkblot → The word is formed from "ink" (from Old English "inc", meaning a black liquid used for writing) and "blot" (from Old English "blottian", meaning to stain or spot). An inkblot refers to a stain or spot made by ink.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'black liquid' ('ink') that creates a 'stain' ('blot') — that's what an inkblot is.

Visually Confused Words