blur

The word “blur” means to make something unclear, hazy, or difficult to make out. In plain terms, to make (or become) unclear and hazy, or the hazy thing itself.

“Blur” is pronounced BLUR (/blɝ/ in IPA).

Here is “blur” used in a sentence: “Tears blurred her vision as she read the letter.”

The opposite of “blur” — its antonyms — is sharpen.

Depending on how it is used, “blur” can be a verb and a noun.

The word “blur” comes from Old English. Possibly an alteration of "blear," from Old English roots meaning "to make pale or dim.".

“Blur” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Blur” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make something unclear, hazy, or difficult to make out.

"Blur" is the base form of the verb, used for present-tense action ("tears blur her vision"), while "blurred" is the past tense and past participle, used for completed action or as an adjective ("a blurred photo"). Both describe making something unclear or hazy, but "blurred" typically describes the resulting state.

Yes, blur is commonly used figuratively to describe boundaries, memories, or distinctions becoming unclear, as in "the line between work and home life has blurred." This extends the core visual meaning of making something hazy or hard to distinguish to abstract concepts like categories or recollections.

Blur usually describes a loss of sharpness or clarity, often from motion or focus, such as a blurred image or blurred vision. Smudge more specifically implies a mark left by rubbing or smearing, such as ink or dirt, and often refers to a physical stain rather than a general lack of definition.