dotty
12 synonyms and 1 antonym for dotty, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Mildly eccentric or confused, especially due to old age.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use dotty
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
dotty old man
a bit dotty
Mostly British and informal.
Etymology
Related to "dote" (in its "senile" sense); compare "totty," meaning unsteady or dizzy.
Full origin of dotty →Frequently asked questions
What does “dotty” mean?
The word “dotty” means mildly eccentric or confused, especially due to old age. In plain terms, a gentle, slightly affectionate word for someone who's a bit scatterbrained or eccentric, often used of the elderly.
How do you pronounce “dotty”?
“Dotty” is pronounced DO-tee (/ˈdɑ.ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “dotty” in a sentence?
Here is “dotty” used in a sentence: “Her dotty old uncle kept forgetting where he'd put his glasses.”
What part of speech is “dotty”?
“Dotty” is an adjective.
How many meanings does “dotty” have?
“Dotty” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: mildly eccentric or confused, especially due to old age.
