Blots out is a phrase that is commonly used in the English language. It is often used in different contexts and has different meanings depending on the situation. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of blots out, its origins, synonyms, antonyms, and associations.
Definitions
Blots out is a phrasal verb that means to erase or obscure something completely. It can also mean to forget something or to ignore it. The phrase is often used in the context of memory, where it refers to the inability to recall a specific event or experience.
Origin
The origin of blots out can be traced back to the Middle English period, where it was used to describe the act of blotting ink on paper to obscure writing. Over time, the phrase evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, blots out means to “obscure or obliterate (something) completely.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “to make indistinct or imperceptible.” Cambridge Dictionary describes it as “to remove or forget something unpleasant or unwanted.”
Associations
Blots out is often associated with negative experiences or memories that people want to forget or ignore. It can also be associated with the act of covering up or hiding something.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of blots out include erase, obliterate, efface, expunge, and delete.
Antonyms
Antonyms of blots out include remember, recall, retain, and recollect.
The same root words
The same root words as blots out include blot, blotter, blotch, and blotchy.
Example Sentences
- The traumatic experience was so painful that she tried to blot it out of her memory.
- The rain blotted out the view of the mountains.
- The ink blotched the paper and made the writing illegible.
- He tried to blot out the sound of his neighbor’s loud music by turning up his own music.
Blots out is a versatile phrase that can be used in different contexts and has different meanings depending on the situation. It is often associated with negative experiences or memories that people want to forget or ignore. Understanding the definition and meaning of blots out can help us communicate more effectively and express ourselves more clearly.