blurred

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "blurred" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when something is unclear, not precise, or unclear in outline. For example: "The margins of the page were blurred and illegible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There, the boundary between war and peace is blurred; "frozen conflicts" is a synonym for wars without end.

The Guardian

Ian Flintoff Oxford This election is becoming increasingly blurred as the facial expressions and gestures of the combatants become magnified under the unforgiving eye of the TV cameras and the spin doctors regurgitate the views of their representatives and add their own snide remarks.

The Guardian

"So we blurred the lines between reality and fantasy.

The Guardian - Film

And because I looked so different to my normal self, and was speaking differently, the line between fiction and reality can get blurred.’ You mean it did get blurred?

The Guardian - Film

I don't think they are getting blurred.

The Guardian

UCLU women's officer Beth Sutton tweeted: "UCLU have just passed motion to not play blurred lines in union spaces & events.

The Guardian - Music

The problem is that both in law and in culture, the line between discipline and child abuse is blurred.

The Guardian - Sport

The allegation, though, is that the boundary is getting blurred.

The Guardian

The two cities are separated by bridges but all the other borders are blurred.

The Guardian

Ultimately, it seems the government is willing to defend some types of extremism, but the line of acceptability is not only blurred but purposely hidden behind legal lines.

The Guardian

First-hand accounts are blurred by the passing of time, memory itself becomes a form of embellishment, and witnesses and official accounts contradict each other.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "blurred", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking clarity or distinction. Avoid overuse in formal writing to maintain precision.

Common error

Avoid using "blurred" to describe overly complex or intricate ideas where words like "nuanced" or "multifaceted" might be more appropriate. "Blurred" implies a lack of clarity, not complexity.

Linguistic Context

The word "blurred" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of being unclear, indistinct, or lacking sharp definition. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples where "blurred" describes boundaries, lines, images, or concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "blurred" is a versatile adjective frequently used to describe a lack of clarity, precision, or distinction. Ludwig AI analysis, as well as the numerous examples provided, confirm that it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. While its register is generally neutral, the context dictates the level of formality. When using "blurred", ensure that the intended meaning—a lack of clear definition—is accurately conveyed, and avoid using it as a substitute for words describing complexity or nuance. Alternatives include "indistinct", "vague", and "hazy", offering subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unclear

A general term for a lack of clarity or understanding.

indistinct

Emphasizes a lack of clear definition or sharpness.

vague

Highlights a lack of precision or detail.

hazy

Suggests a lack of clarity, often due to atmospheric conditions or metaphorical obscurity.

obscured

Focuses on the act of something being hidden or made less clear.

fuzzy

Implies a lack of sharpness, often in a visual or conceptual sense.

ill-defined

Highlights the lack of clear boundaries or limits.

out of focus

Specifically refers to a lack of visual clarity.

muddled

Suggests a state of confusion or disorder, leading to a lack of clarity.

dim

Indicates a reduction in brightness or clarity.

FAQs

How can I use "blurred" in a sentence?

You can use "blurred" to describe something that lacks clear definition or is out of focus, such as "The lines between right and wrong became "blurred"".

What can I say instead of "blurred"?

You can use alternatives like "vague", "indistinct", or "hazy" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "blurred vision" or "blurry vision"?

"Blurred vision" and "blurry vision" are both correct and commonly used, although "blurred vision" might be considered slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "blurred" and "obscured"?

"Blurred" implies a lack of focus or clarity, while "obscured" suggests something is hidden or made less visible, although they can sometimes overlap in meaning.