Word
spotting
Phoneticsspot·ting, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈspɑtɪŋ/
UK/spˈɒtɪŋ/
Definitions
01noticing or finding
B1 · Intermediate
v. the act of seeing or noticing something, especially something that is hard to find.
v. the present participle and gerund of 'spot', referring to the act of detecting or identifying a specific person or thing.
“Spotting the small bird in the thick trees was very difficult.”
“The success of the mission depended on spotting the enemy's movement before they reached the valley floor.”
Antonyms
02a pattern of dots
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. a pattern made of many small dots or marks.
n. a decorative or natural pattern consisting of small, distinct marks or dots.
“The butterfly had beautiful white spotting on its orange wings.”
“The fabric featured irregular spotting that mimicked the appearance of natural stone or aged parchment.”
Synonyms
03light bleeding
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Medicine Technical
n. a very small amount of blood that comes from a woman's body between her usual periods.
n. light vaginal bleeding occurring outside the normal menstrual cycle. Uncountable in a general medical sense.
“She went to the doctor because she noticed some spotting between her periods.”
“While light spotting can be a normal side effect of new medication, persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a specialist.”
Synonyms
04observing for safety
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Sports
n. watching someone while they exercise to make sure they stay safe.
n. the act of observing and assisting a person performing a dangerous exercise, such as weightlifting, to prevent injury.
“He asked his friend for some spotting while he tried to lift the heavy weights.”
“Proper spotting is essential during heavy bench presses to ensure the lifter's safety in case of muscle failure.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“You don't have to walk far in any university city before spotting some form of private Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA).” “You couldn't walk down the main street without spotting some of the courtroom's stars, or grab a coffee without overhearing chatter about the case.” Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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