spotted
UK: ˈspɒtɪd | US: ˈspɑːtɪd
adj. marked with spots or patches
adj. noticed or identified (informal)
vt. past tense and past participle of "spot" (to see or detect)
The word "spot" originates from Old English sputt (a speck or stain), likely influenced by Middle Dutch spotte (a patch). The suffix "-ed" is a common English adjectival or past participle marker, turning the noun "spot" into "spotted" to describe something marked with spots or the act of having been noticed. The dual meanings reflect both physical marking and the figurative sense of detection.
The leopard's spotted coat provides camouflage in the dappled sunlight.
She spotted a rare bird in the tree and quickly took a photo.
The detective spotted a clue that others had overlooked.
His shirt was spotted with paint after the messy project.
I finally spotted my friend in the crowded train station.