Grainy: meaning, definitions and examples

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grainy

[ˈɡreɪni ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

texture

Having a rough or granular texture, often due to the presence of small particles.

Synonyms

coarse, gritty, sandy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
grainy	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.
gritty	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.
sandy	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.
coarse	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.

Examples of usage

The old photograph was grainy, making it difficult to see the details.
The grainy sand stuck to my skin after a day at the beach.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

image quality

Having a poor quality image, characterized by visible pixels or distortion.

Synonyms

distorted, fuzzy, pixelated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
grainy	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.
pixelated	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.
distorted	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.
fuzzy	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.

Examples of usage

The video was grainy and hard to watch on the small screen.
The grainy picture made it challenging to identify the person in it.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'grainy' comes from 'grain', which means small, hard particles, often from plants like wheat or rice.
It originally described food textures but has expanded to many contexts including photography and texture.

Art and Photography

In photography, grainy images occur when the film or digital sensor captures light in a way that makes small dots visible.
Many artists intentionally use grainy textures in their work to add a sense of nostalgia or depth.

Science

Grainy textures can be seen under a microscope; for instance, small particles can form sedimentary layers in rocks.
In materials science, grainy characteristics in metals can affect strength and flexibility, changing how they behave.

Literature

Grainy descriptions in literature can evoke certain feelings, like a rough landscape or an emotionally charged memory.
Authors may use grainy imagery to create a vivid sense of reality, making the reader feel textures alongside the story.

Pop Culture

Vintage films and photographs are often referred to as grainy due to the older technology used for capturing images.
Many contemporary films use grainy effects to create a retro or gritty aesthetic, reminiscent of earlier cinematic styles.

Translations

Translations of the word "grainy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 granuloso

🇮🇳 दानेदार

🇩🇪 körnig

🇮🇩 berbutir

🇺🇦 зернистий

🇵🇱 ziarnisty

🇯🇵 粒状の

🇫🇷 granuleux

🇪🇸 granuloso

🇹🇷 granül

🇰🇷 알갱이 같은

🇸🇦 محبب

🇨🇿 zrnité

🇸🇰 zrnitý

🇨🇳 颗粒状的

🇸🇮 zrnat

🇮🇸 kornótt

🇰🇿 түйіршікті

🇬🇪 მარცვლოვანი

🇦🇿 taxıl

🇲🇽 granuloso

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,177, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
28174 charioteer
28175 marque
28176 fulsome
28177 grainy
28178 technetium
28179 inexpensively
28180 assailing
...