Dithering: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in digital graphics to refer to a technique for creating the illusion of color depth in images with a limited color palette. The technique involves scattering pixels of different colors to simulate intermediate colors.

• When editing the image, use dithering to give it a smoother look despite the limited color range.
• The graphic designer applied dithering to reduce the color banding effect.

Refers to the process of combining different colors to create new colors, commonly used in painting, graphic design, and digital art. It involves blending primary colors to achieve desired shades.

• In her painting workshop, she taught us the basics of color mixing to create a wide range of hues.
• Digital artists often experiment with color mixing to achieve the perfect tone for their projects.

An art technique that creates shading and texture by using small, distinct dots and marks. Often used in drawing and printmaking to achieve details and gradients.

• She used stippling in her drawing to add texture to the leaves and shadows.
• The artist's stippling technique adds a lot of depth to the otherwise simple sketch.

A printing technique where gradients and shades are simulated by varying the size and spacing of dots. Commonly used in newspapers and comic books to create the illusion of continuous tone images.

• Half-toning was essential for producing clear images in old black-and-white newspapers.
• The comic book's unique look is partly due to the half-toning technique used in its printing process.

Dithering is often used to describe someone who is unable to make a decision quickly, often seen as being overly cautious or indecisive. It has a slightly negative connotation.

• She was dithering over what to wear for the party
• The manager's constant dithering was frustrating the team

Hesitate is used when someone pauses before saying or doing something, often due to uncertainty or fear. It is neutral in tone.

• He didn't hesitate to help the stranger
• If you hesitate too long, you might miss your chance

Waver denotes uncertainty or indecision, often implying a slight fluctuation in opinion or action. It is commonly used in both neutral and slightly negative contexts.

• He wavered for a moment, unsure if he should go through with the plan
• Her confidence began to waver as the exam date approached

Vacillate describes someone who repeatedly changes their opinions or decisions. It gives the sense of instability and lack of resolution, making it somewhat negative.

• She vacillated between pursuing a career in art and enrolling in medical school
• His tendency to vacillate on important issues annoyed his colleagues