spot

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

n. a small, round mark that is a different colour from the area around it.

n. a small, usually circular area of a surface that differs in colour or texture from the main part.

“The dog is white with a large black spot over one eye.”

“The biologist noted several irregular brown spots on the leaves, suggesting the presence of a fungal infection within the greenhouse.”

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Medicine

n. a small, red mark or pimple on your skin.

n. a small, inflamed papule or pustule on the skin.

Español:grano

“He was worried about a red spot that appeared on his chin.”

“Teenagers often struggle with confidence when they develop spots, though most dermatologists consider it a standard part of adolescent development.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal

n. a difficult or embarrassing situation.

n. a difficult, awkward, or compromising situation; often used in the phrase 'in a tight spot'.

“I was in a bit of a spot when I realised I had forgotten my wallet.”

“The sudden withdrawal of the primary investor put the startup in a difficult spot just weeks before the product launch.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun advertising American English

n. a short advertisement on television or radio.

n. a brief interval in a broadcast schedule devoted to a specific advertisement or programme segment.

“The company paid for a thirty-second spot during the championship game.”

“Securing a prime-time television spot remains the most expensive component of the national marketing campaign.”

B1 · Intermediate

v. to see or notice someone or something, especially when they are hard to find.

v. to detect, notice, or identify something through active observation or by chance.

“Can you spot the difference between these two pictures?”

“The eagle-eyed customs officer managed to spot the forged signature on the passport despite the high quality of the counterfeit.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to mark something with small dots or stains.

v. to mark or discolour with small spots; to become marked with spots.

“The rain started to spot the pavement just as we left the house.”

“Years of dampness had begun to spot the silk wallpaper with unsightly grey mildew.”

C1 · Advanced Informal · American English · Slang

v. to lend someone a small amount of money for a short time.

v. to provide someone with a small amount of money as a loan, usually for an immediate need.

“Could you spot me five dollars for lunch? I'll pay you back tomorrow.”

“He asked his colleague to spot him the entrance fee, promising to settle the debt via a bank transfer later that evening.”

C1 · Advanced finance Technical

adj. happening or paid immediately.

adj. relating to a system of trading where goods are delivered and paid for immediately.

“The spot price of gold changed three times this morning.”

“Traders closely monitored the spot market to determine the immediate impact of the geopolitical crisis on crude oil prices.”