blotchy
Describing a surface, especially skin, that is covered with irregular, uneven patches of color or marks. It is frequently used to characterize a complexion affected by emotion, illness, or cold temperatures, as well as unevenly applied paint or ink.
Examples
3 of 5Her face was blotchy and red after she had been crying for nearly an hour.
Her skin showed uneven red patches because she had been weeping for a long time.
The clinical report noted that the patient developed a blotchy rash following the administration of the antibiotic.
The medical document stated the patient had irregular skin patches after taking the medicine.
I think I used too much water with the watercolors because the sky looks really blotchy.
The painting of the sky looks uneven and messy because of the water ratio.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of an ink 'blot' that leaks onto paper and spreads unevenly. If a surface is covered in those messy leaks, it is 'blotchy'.
Quick Quiz
After sitting in the freezing wind for an hour, her cheeks became ___ and sore.
Correct!
The correct answer is: blotchy
Examples
Her face was blotchy and red after she had been crying for nearly an hour.
everydayHer skin showed uneven red patches because she had been weeping for a long time.
The clinical report noted that the patient developed a blotchy rash following the administration of the antibiotic.
formalThe medical document stated the patient had irregular skin patches after taking the medicine.
I think I used too much water with the watercolors because the sky looks really blotchy.
informalThe painting of the sky looks uneven and messy because of the water ratio.
In certain geological formations, the rock displays a blotchy texture due to irregular mineral oxidation.
academicThe rock has an unevenly colored appearance caused by varied chemical reactions.
We cannot use these brochures; the ink is blotchy and the logo is barely legible.
businessThe marketing materials are poor quality because the printing is uneven and spotted.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
come out in blotches
to suddenly develop irregular marks on the skin
blotchy red face
a face covered in uneven red patches usually due to stress or cold
blotchy texture
a surface that is not smooth in color or consistency
Often Confused With
Spotty refers to distinct, circular dots or acne, whereas blotchy refers to larger, irregular, and spreading patches.
Usage Notes
Blotchy is almost always used in a negative or clinical context to describe something that should ideally be smooth or uniform. It is most common in dermatological (skin) or artistic (paint/ink) contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'blotchy' to describe patterns like stripes or polka dots; however, it specifically implies that the patches are accidental, irregular, and unwanted.
Memory Tip
Think of an ink 'blot' that leaks onto paper and spreads unevenly. If a surface is covered in those messy leaks, it is 'blotchy'.
Word Origin
Derived from the late Middle English word 'blotch', which is thought to be a variation of 'botch' or a combination of 'blot' (a spot) and 'botch' (a swelling).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Western cosmetics, 'blotchy skin' is a common concern that many skincare products and makeup foundations aim to 'correct' or 'even out'.
Quick Quiz
After sitting in the freezing wind for an hour, her cheeks became ___ and sore.
Correct!
The correct answer is: blotchy
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
people
A1People refers to a group of human beings or the general public. It is the standard plural form of the word 'person'.
put
A1To move something into a particular place or position. It is a fundamental verb used to describe the act of placing an object or setting a situation in a specific location.
mean
A1To have a specific sense or significance, especially when explaining a word or sign. It can also describe a person's intention or the importance of something to someone.
keep
A1To continue to have or hold something in your possession or at your disposal. It also means to remain in a specific state, condition, or position without changing.
begin
A1To start doing something or for an event to happen for the first time. It is often used to describe the first point of a process or activity.
seem
A1To give the impression of being something or having a particular quality based on what you see or hear. It is used to describe an appearance or feeling that may or may not be the actual truth.
help
A1To make it easier for someone to do something by offering your services, resources, or support. It can involve physical effort, providing information, or giving money to assist a person or a cause.
talk
A1To speak in order to give information or express ideas, feelings, or thoughts. It typically involves a conversation between two or more people or a person addressing an audience.
start
A1To begin doing something or to cause something to happen for the first time. It is frequently used when talking about movements, journeys, or making a machine or engine begin to work.
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