Blur

A blur describes something that is not seen clearly or distinctly. It can refer to a lack of sharpness in an image or a hazy or indistinct outline. Figuratively, it can also mean a loss of clarity in thought, memory, or perception. It can manifest visually, auditorily, or conceptually, indicating a diminished ability to discern details or boundaries. The effect of a blur can range from a slight softening to complete obscurity of the original subject. It typically suggests motion, obscurity, or a deliberate lack of focus.

Blur meaning with examples

• The camera's autofocus malfunctioned, leaving the photograph a complete blur. Trees and houses became indistinct streaks as the train sped past. As the runner crossed the finish line, the cheering crowd was just a blur of faces, a cacophony of sound, and a kaleidoscope of colours. The world seemed to blur together after hours of driving, all the same landscapes merging into one.
• His tired eyes perceived the streetlights as blurs of yellow light in the fog. The memories of that night remained a confusing blur, details lost to the passage of time and the effects of stress. The constant hum of conversation in the crowded room became a monotonous blur. Her vision was returning but at first, she was only able to distinguish blurs of shapes rather than individual objects.
• The artist used a technique to create a soft blur effect, to give the painting an impressionistic feeling. The documentary's director intentionally used blurring to protect the identities of sensitive interviewees. To hide the license plate of the car in the shot the editors, opted to apply a strategic blur. The director created a deliberate blurring effect, representing the character's disorientation.
• During the argument, her thoughts became a blur; she couldn't formulate any rational response, just a jumble of words. The years after graduation were a blur of travel and short-term jobs. The government's actions seemed to blur the lines between legal and illegal behavior, leaving many citizens confused. With the stress of the holiday season, she realized that everything felt like an overwhelming blur, making it difficult to prioritize tasks.