Blotted

The past tense and past participle of the verb 'blot', meaning to absorb a liquid, especially with absorbent material, or to mark or stain something with a liquid. Figuratively, it can mean to obscure, diminish, or erase something. It implies a temporary or incomplete removal in some contexts. The action of blotting can range from a simple physical act to a more symbolic representation of covering up or concealing something. In essence, 'blotted' describes a process of absorption, marking, obscuring, or erasing, depending on the context. It also suggests a physical and or metaphorical act of cleaning, removing, or concealing evidence of something.

Blotted meaning with examples

• He blotted the spilled coffee with a napkin, trying to save the tablecloth from a permanent stain. His hasty action resulted in a smeared brown smudge, but at least the liquid wasn't spreading further. He sighed, realizing the damage was done. His attempt to remedy the situation had yielded a less than ideal outcome, and left a visible mark of his clumsiness.
• The artist blotted the excess ink from the etching plate using a special rag, creating a cleaner, more defined print. This careful action was part of the process, revealing the intended image. He painstakingly removed any imperfections, working to obtain the best possible finished outcome. The blotting was instrumental to getting the delicate lines of the drawing to render effectively.
• Years of harsh experiences had blotted the memory of his childhood from his mind. The pain was so intense that he could barely even recall those early years. He felt a sense of peace, and the oblivion was an act of self-preservation. He looked at them with new eyes, now seeing only a vague haze instead of vivid details.
• The editor blotted out the offensive words in the manuscript before publication. He thought that a deletion would be best. The edits made by the publisher ensured the story met ethical standards. The objectionable content was completely removed so as not to harm his readers. This was considered an act of censorship and the final product changed dramatically.
• The intense sunlight blotted out the intricate details of the landscape, making it difficult to distinguish distant mountains from the sky. All the subtle features were hard to perceive, making it appear homogenous. He could only distinguish the harsh contrasts between light and shadow, diminishing his view. The blinding rays were so strong, only the basic shapes remained visible.