blot
C1Formal, literary, technical (biology); informal for idioms.
Definition
Meaning
A spot or stain, especially one made by ink or similar liquid; a mark damaging something's appearance or reputation.
In biology: a technique for detecting specific proteins or nucleic acids (blotting). Figuratively: a source of shame, a blemish on one's character or record.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Has concrete (physical stain) and abstract (moral stain) meanings. Used in specific phrasal verbs and idioms with metaphorical force.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Core meanings identical. 'Blot one's copybook' is more common in UK English. The technical term 'blot' (as in Northern blot) is international.
Connotations
Both share connotations of shame, disfigurement, and error. The verb often implies clumsiness or carelessness.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties, slightly higher in UK due to the common idiom.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
VERB + blot: to make a blotblot + NOUN: blot on [something]VERB + OBJECT + PREP + blot: blot something out/upblot + ADJECTIVE: blot dryVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “blot one's copybook”
- “a blot on the landscape”
- “blot out (a memory/sight)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; used figuratively: 'The scandal was a blot on the company's reputation.'
Academic
Common in biology (Western blot, Southern blot). In humanities: 'a blot on his historical record.'
Everyday
Physical stains: 'I got an ink blot on my shirt.' Figurative: 'It's the one blot on an otherwise perfect day.'
Technical
Specific lab procedure: 'The membrane was used for a protein blot.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- There's a tiny blot of grease on the document.
- The prison sentence was the only blot on an otherwise clean record.
American English
- An ink blot ruined the signature line.
- The corruption scandal is a major blot on the administration.
verb
British English
- He blotted the fresh ink carefully with a special paper.
- The new tower block is a monstrosity that blots out our view of the hills.
American English
- She quickly blotted the spilled wine with a napkin.
- He tried to blot out the memory of the accident.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Oh no! I made a blot on my drawing.
- Use this paper to blot the water.
- The leaked report was a blot on the minister's career.
- She blotted her lipstick before leaving.
- The defendant's past convictions represented a significant blot on his character.
- He blotted out the sun with his hand.
- The unethical practices of the 1990s remain a blot on the industry's escutcheon.
- The technique involves blotting the proteins onto a nitrocellulose membrane.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BLOT of ink that's NOT neat. It's a blemish, a spot.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMMORALITY/ERROR IS A STAIN (on a clean surface).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводить как 'клякса' в биологическом контексте ('блот', 'блоттинг').
- В идиоме 'blot out' — значение 'стереть, закрыть', а не просто 'вытереть'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'blot' with 'blob' (a shapeless mass).
- Using 'blot' for large stains (prefer 'stain').
- Misspelling as 'blott'.
Practice
Quiz
In a molecular biology lab, what does 'to blot' primarily mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while classically associated with ink, it can be used for any liquid stain (e.g., 'a blot of oil'). Figuratively, it applies to non-physical blemishes.
It means to obscure, hide from view, or figuratively, to try to forget or suppress something (e.g., 'clouds blotted out the sun', 'blot out a memory').
A highly absorbent paper used to soak up excess ink or oil, traditionally used in writing to prevent smudging.
As a noun or verb for techniques like 'Western blot', where proteins separated by gel electrophoresis are transferred ('blotted') onto a membrane for analysis with antibodies.