Grainy: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used to describe images or textures that have a rough, visible texture, typically due to low quality or large particles.

• The old photograph was grainy and hard to recognize.
• The film had a grainy quality that gave it a vintage look.

Commonly used to describe something containing small, hard particles, often used to describe something tough or raw. Can also indicate a realistic, unpolished portrayal in storytelling.

• There was a gritty feeling in my mouth after the hike.
• The novel gave a gritty depiction of life on the streets.

Refers to something containing or resembling sand. Often used to describe surfaces or environments where sand is present.

• The beach had a sandy shoreline perfect for building sandcastles.
• Her shoes left sandy tracks on the kitchen floor.

Used to describe something that has a rough texture, often with larger, uneven particles. It may also refer to a lack of refinement in language or manners.

• The sandpaper felt coarse to the touch.
• He spoke in a coarse manner that offended some people.

Used to describe images or videos that have a rough texture, often visible grains or specks, typically because of low quality or poor lighting conditions.

• The old photograph was grainy and hard to make out.
• The video looked grainy due to the low light.

Used to describe digital images that show individual pixels, making the image look blocky, often due to low resolution or zooming in too much.

• The low-resolution picture appeared pixelated on the big screen.
• When the internet connection is slow, the video gets pixelated.

Used when images, sounds, or visual presentations are warped or twisted, often making them unclear or unnatural. This can be due to technical issues or intentional artistic effects.

• The audio on the phone call was distorted, making it hard to understand.
• The reflection in the funhouse mirror was heavily distorted.

Used to describe images or sounds that are not clear, often due to being out of focus or lacking sharpness.

• Her memory of the event was fuzzy and incomplete.
• The photo came out fuzzy because the camera shook.