verb

spot

To notice or detect something.

She spots a deer at the edge of the woods.

Etymology

Spot extends from identifying a visible mark to identifying something in a larger scene. The verb means detecting what has become noticeable.

More examples

  • I spotted the mistake on the final page.
  • He has spotted several rare birds here.
  • The guide is spotting landmarks through the mist.

Forms

spot · spots · spotted · spotting

Similar words

notice
Does not necessarily imply a successful search or detection.
detect
Can involve instruments rather than visual recognition.