spot

Everyday

1. A spot is a small round mark of a different colour, like spots on a ladybird. tree →
2. A spot is a small red lump on the skin (a pimple). tree →
3. A spot is a particular place. tree →
4. To spot something is to notice or see it, often when it is hard to see. tree →
5. A spot of something is a small amount (British). tree →

In the lessons

In science, animals use spots for camouflage or warning (a leopard, a ladybird). In health, spots on the skin can come with illnesses like chickenpox. In reading and maths, "spot the difference" and "spot the mistake" train careful looking. In safety, the right spot to wait or cross matters. Phrases: on the spot (immediately, or there), spot the difference, a good spot, a soft spot for (like a lot), in a tight spot (in trouble), spotted.

Examples

• A ladybird has black spots on its red wings. tree →
• I've got a spot on my nose. tree →
• This is a good spot for a picnic. tree →
• Can you spot the mistake in this sum? tree →
• I spotted my friend in the crowd. tree →
• Chickenpox gives you itchy spots. tree →
• He was fined on the spot. tree →
• Grandpa has a soft spot for his old dog. tree →
• All the spectators knew the spot well. tree →

Note

Past form spotted, double t. "Spotted" also means covered in spots: a spotted dress. American English often says "pimple" or "zit" for a skin spot. "On the spot" can mean right away or in that place.

In Jewish tradition

In Leviticus it is a mark on the skin that a priest must examine. A "bright spot" is a pale patch that may be a sign of a skin disease. In the Writings a spot is also a fault or stain, so "no spot" means perfect and without blemish, and a "spot on the hands" means guilt.

Interpretation. The priest decided whether a spot made a person ritually unclean. Tradition says these laws are not about medicine but about purity, and that the Rabbis connected the condition to wrongful speech. The later poems use spotlessness as a picture of purity and innocence.

Examples

• and for a rising, and for a scab, and for a bright spot; (Torah LEV.14.56, JPS 1917) tree →
• and in the place of the boil there is a white rising, or a bright spot, reddish-white, then it shall be shown to the priest. (Torah LEV.13.19, JPS 1917) tree →
• But if the bright spot stay in its place, and be not spread, it is the scar of the boil; and the priest shall pronounce him clean. (Torah LEV.13.23, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thou art all fair, my love; and there is no spot in thee. (Writings SNG.4.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• Surely then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear; (Writings JOB.11.15, JPS 1917) tree →
• If my step hath turned out of the way, and my heart walked after mine eyes, and if any spot hath cleaved to my hands; (Writings JOB.31.7, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Past form spotted, double t. "Spotted" also means covered in spots: a spotted dress. American English often says "pimple" or "zit" for a skin spot. "On the spot" can mean right away or in that place.