Fuzzy: meaning, definitions and examples

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fuzzy

 

[ ˈfʌzi ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

description

Having a vague or indistinct quality; not clear or sharp.

Synonyms

blurred, hazy, indistinct, muddled, unclear.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fuzzy

This word is often used when something is not clear or sharp, especially visually or conceptually. It can also refer to something that is covered with fine hair or fibers.

  • The photo is fuzzy and out of focus.
  • My memory of that day is a bit fuzzy.
  • The teddy bear has a fuzzy texture.
blurred

Use this to describe something that cannot be seen clearly, often because it is moving or the viewer's vision is impaired.

  • The fast-moving car appeared blurred in the photograph.
  • Her vision was blurred by the tears.
indistinct

This term is used when something lacks clear definition or details, making it hard to distinguish or recognize.

  • The outline of the figure was indistinct in the dim light.
  • The sounds were indistinct and muffled.
unclear

This word is used when something is not easy to understand or is ambiguous.

  • The instructions were unclear.
  • It's unclear what she meant by her last comment.
hazy

This is typically used to describe a state where things are obscured by a light mist or fog, or a metaphorical state where details are not clear.

  • The mountains were hazy in the distance.
  • He had a hazy recollection of the conversation.
muddled

This word is more often used to describe something that is confused or not organized, either thoughts or physical objects.

  • His thoughts were muddled after a sleepless night.
  • The documents are all muddled up.

Examples of usage

  • The image on the old TV was fuzzy and hard to make out.
  • His memory of the event was fuzzy, as if he had been dreaming.
  • The line between the two colors was fuzzy, blending into each other.
  • I couldn't read the sign from a distance, it was too fuzzy.
  • The details of the plan were fuzzy, we needed more information.
Context #2 | Noun

technology

A distortion in a television or radio reception, usually caused by interference.

Synonyms

distortion, interference, snow, static.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fuzzy

Typically used to describe images or sounds that are not clear due to lack of sharpness or focus.

  • The picture on the TV was fuzzy, so I adjusted the antenna.
  • Her explanation was a bit fuzzy, leaving us confused.
interference

Describes disruptions caused by external factors, often used in contexts related to communication and technology.

  • I couldn't hear the call clearly due to interference.
  • The radio signal experienced interference from nearby electronics.
distortion

Usually refers to a change or deformation in the original form of an image, sound, or signal, often used in technical or artistic contexts.

  • The guitar pedal creates a cool distortion effect.
  • There was noticeable distortion in the old photograph.
static

Describes continuous noise or visual disturbance, often related to electronics and communication, can have a technical undertone.

  • All I heard on the radio was static.
  • The old TV set produced a lot of static when turned on.
snow

Refers to the visual noise or static seen on analog television screens when no signal is received, often used nostalgically or informally.

  • The TV screen was filled with snow, indicating a weak signal.
  • We watched in frustration as the show was replaced by snow.

Examples of usage

  • The antenna needed adjusting to fix the fuzzy on the TV screen.
  • The radio broadcast was filled with fuzzies, making it hard to understand.

Translations

Translations of the word "fuzzy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 confuso

🇮🇳 धुंधला

🇩🇪 unscharf

🇮🇩 kabur

🇺🇦 нечіткий

🇵🇱 rozmyty

🇯🇵 ぼやけた

🇫🇷 flou

🇪🇸 borroso

🇹🇷 bulanık

🇰🇷 흐릿한

🇸🇦 غامض

🇨🇿 rozmazaný

🇸🇰 rozmazaný

🇨🇳 模糊

🇸🇮 zamegljen

🇮🇸 óskýrt

🇰🇿 бұлдыр

🇬🇪 არასპეციფიკური

🇦🇿 bulanıq

🇲🇽 borroso

Etymology

The word 'fuzzy' originated from the Middle English word 'fusy', which meant 'spongy' or 'mossy'. Over time, the meaning evolved to represent something that is unclear or indistinct. The term is commonly used in various contexts, from describing visual quality to technical issues with reception. 'Fuzzy' has become a versatile word in the English language, capturing the essence of ambiguity and softness.

See also: fuzz, fuzzily.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,618 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.