blur

Everyday

1. A blur is something you cannot see clearly because it is moving fast or out of focus. tree →
2. To blur is to make something unclear or smudgy, or to become unclear. tree →
3. A blur is also a memory or time you cannot remember clearly. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life photos come out blurred if the camera moves; tears blur your eyes. In science (light and eyes) lenses focus light; people who need glasses see things as a blur. In stories fast things «go past in a blur». Phrase: «blur the line between» (make the difference less clear).

Examples

• The racing car was just a blur. tree →
• Without my glasses everything is a blur. tree →
• Tears blurred her eyes. tree →
• The photo is blurred because I moved. tree →
• The whole day went by in a blur. tree →
• Rain blurred the view from the window. tree →

Note

Double r in past forms: blurred, blurring. Adjective: blurry or blurred. Opposite: clear, sharp, in focus.