Blink vs. Flicker — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 4, 2023
Blink" generally refers to a rapid closing and opening of the eye. "Flicker" denotes a rapid, periodic, and usually irregular fluctuation in brightness. The main difference is blinking is a physiological action, whereas flickering relates to light varianc
Difference Between Blink and Flicker
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Key Differences
The term "Blink" predominantly refers to the rapid closure and reopening of the eyelid, a semi-autonomic action occurring routinely to keep the eye lubricated and protected from foreign bodies. This action is inherent to living beings and is a physiological response. In contrast, "Flicker" mainly refers to a quick and irregular fluctuation in the brightness of light, sometimes caused by interruptions in the power supply or imperfections in the light-emitting source, denoting an irregular and often intermittent glow or light.
Blinking, in a broader sense, can also denote the very brief interruption of visual perception, making one momentarily blind to the surrounding environment. This natural action is often involuntary, with a frequency varying from person to person. On the other hand, Flickering is a perceptual event related to visual stimuli, predominantly observed in artificial light sources like lamps and screens, often resulting from fluctuations in voltage or frequency of the light source and can be visually disturbing.
In computing terminology, a "Blink" can represent the rapid alternation between two visual states, like a cursor blinking on a text editor, drawing attention to a specific point or element on the screen. "Flicker," in a similar context, could denote the rapid variation in the display's brightness or color, often considered a defect or an unwanted anomaly, causing visual discomfort and sometimes impacting the visibility of screen content.
Another context where the terms "Blink" and "Flicker" are used is in describing light signals. A light may blink to convey a signal, message, or warning, often in a regular, predictable manner, such as a turn signal on a vehicle. Conversely, a light that flickers often does so irregularly and is usually indicative of a problem with the light source or its power supply.
In conclusion, while both "Blink" and "Flicker" imply a rapid change in visual perception, they are applied in different contexts; "blink" primarily deals with physiological actions or intentional signaling, while "flicker" often represents an irregular fluctuation or defect in light sources.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Rapid closing and opening of the eye.
Rapid, irregular fluctuation in brightness of light.
Context
Physiological and signaling.
Mostly related to light sources and displays.
Regularity
Regular and often intentional.
Usually irregular and unintentional.
Cause
Natural or by design.
Often due to defects or disruptions.
Perception
Momentary interruption of visual perception
Can be visually disturbing and continuous.
Compare with Definitions
Blink
A blink is the act of quickly closing and opening one's eyes.
He didn’t blink an eye when he heard the sudden loud noise.
Flicker
A flicker is a quick and irregular fluctuation of light intensity.
The flicker of the candle cast strange shadows on the wall.
Blink
Blinking also refers to light flashing on and off in a regular or irregular pattern.
The car’s blinker indicated a right turn.
Flicker
It denotes a brief appearance or feeling.
A flicker of hope arose in his heart.
Blink
It can be used metaphorically to represent a very short time.
The project was done in the blink of an eye.
Flicker
In visuals, a flicker is perceived as a fast and repeated change in brightness.
The screen’s flicker was giving her a headache.
Blink
To close and open one or both of the eyes rapidly.
Flicker
Flickering is often irregular and perceived as a defect in light sources.
The constant flicker of the old lamp was distracting.
Blink
To look in astonishment or disbelief, typically with the eyes blinking
Stood blinking at the money they found in the drawer.
Blinked at the results of the experiment.
Flicker
Metaphorically, it can symbolize instability or transience.
A flicker of emotion crossed her otherwise impassive face.
Blink
To look through half-closed eyes, as in a bright glare; squint
Blinked at the page trying to make out the letters.
Flicker
To move waveringly; flutter
Shadows flickering on the wall.
Blink
To give off light with intermittent gleams; flash on and off
"blazing neon signs, brilliant shop windows, decorations blinking across the fronts of half-finished tower blocks" (Jess Row).
Flicker
To burn or shine unsteadily or fitfully
The candle flickered before sputtering out.
Blink
To pretend to be ignorant of; disregard or condone
A mayor who refused to blink at corruption.
Flicker
To be displayed with fluctuating brightness
A movie flickered on the screen.
Blink
To waver or back down, as in a contest of wills
"This was the first genuine, direct confrontation between this administration and the Soviets. It was the U.S.A. that blinked" (Zbigniew Brzezinski).
Flicker
To appear briefly
A smile flickered on her face.
Blink
To cause to blink
Blinked his eyes to clear his vision.
Flicker
To cause to move waveringly.
Blink
To hold back or remove from the eyes by blinking
Blinked back the tears.
Flicker
A brief movement; a tremor.
Blink
To refuse to recognize or face
Blink ugly facts.
Flicker
An inconstant or wavering light.
Blink
To transmit (a message) with a flashing light.
Flicker
A brief or slight sensation
A flicker of doubt.
Blink
The act or an instance of rapidly closing and opening the eyes or an eye.
Flicker
Any of various large woodpeckers of the genus Colaptes of the Americas, having a long tail and large feet and often foraging on the ground, especially C. auratus, the northern flicker.
Blink
An instant
I'll be back in a blink.
Flicker
An unsteady flash of light.
The flicker of the dying candle
The flicker of a poorly tuned television set
Blink
(Scots) A quick look or glimpse; a glance.
Flicker
(figurative) A short moment.
A flicker of hope
A flicker of recognition passed through my mind.
Blink
A flash of light; a twinkle.
Flicker
(US) Any of certain small woodpeckers, especially of the genus Colaptes.
Blink
See iceblink.
Flicker
One who flicks.
Blink
(intransitive) To close and reopen both eyes quickly.
The loser in the staring game is the person who blinks first.
Flicker
(intransitive) To burn or shine unsteadily, or with a wavering light.
Blink
(transitive) To close and reopen one's eyes to remove (something) from on or around the eyes.
She blinked her tears away.
Flicker
(intransitive) To keep going on and off; to appear and disappear for short moments; to flutter.
A strong desire to smash up everything in the room kept flickering in his head.
Blink
To wink; to twinkle with, or as with, the eye.
Flicker
(ambitransitive) To flutter or flap.
Blink
To see with the eyes half shut, or indistinctly and with frequent winking, as a person with weak eyes.
Flicker
To flutter; to flap the wings without flying.
And flickering on her nest made short essays to sing.
Blink
To shine, especially with intermittent light; to twinkle; to flicker; to glimmer, as a lamp.
Flicker
To waver unsteadily, like a flame in a current of air, or when about to expire; as, the flickering light.
The shadows flicker to fro.
Blink
To glance.
Flicker
The act of wavering or of fluttering; fluctuation; sudden and brief increase of brightness; as, the last flicker of the dying flame.
Blink
To flash on and off at regular intervals.
The blinking text on the screen was distracting.
Flicker
The golden-winged woodpecker (Colaptes aurutus); - so called from its spring note. Called also yellow-hammer, high-holder, pigeon woodpecker, and yucca.
The cackle of the flicker among the oaks.
Blink
To flash headlights on a car at.
An urban legend claims that gang members will attack anyone who blinks them.
Flicker
A momentary flash of light
Blink
To send a signal with a lighting device.
Don't come to the door until I blink twice.
Flicker
North American woodpecker
Blink
(hyperbole) To perform the smallest action that could solicit a response.
Flicker
The act of moving back and forth
Blink
(transitive) To shut out of sight; to evade; to shirk.
To blink the question
Flicker
Move back and forth very rapidly;
The candle flickered
Blink
To turn slightly sour, or blinky, as beer, milk, etc.
Flicker
Shine unsteadily;
The candle flickered
Blink
To teleport, mostly for short distances.
Flicker
Flash intermittently;
The lights flicked on and off
Blink
The act of quickly closing both eyes and opening them again.
Blink
(figuratively) The time needed to close and reopen one's eyes.
Blink
(computing) A text formatting feature that causes text to disappear and reappear as a form of visual emphasis.
Blink
A glimpse or glance.
Blink
Gleam; glimmer; sparkle
Blink
(nautical) The dazzling whiteness about the horizon caused by the reflection of light from fields of ice at sea; iceblink
Blink
Boughs cast where deer are to pass, in order to turn or check them.
Blink
(video games) An ability that allows teleporting, mostly for short distances
Blink
To wink; to twinkle with, or as with, the eye.
One eye was blinking, and one leg was lame.
Blink
To see with the eyes half shut, or indistinctly and with frequent winking, as a person with weak eyes.
Show me thy chink, to blink through with mine eyne.
Blink
To shine, esp. with intermittent light; to twinkle; to flicker; to glimmer, as a lamp.
The dew was falling fast, the stars began to blink.
The sun blinked fair on pool and stream .
Blink
To turn slightly sour, as beer, mild, etc.
Blink
To shut out of sight; to avoid, or purposely evade; to shirk; as, to blink the question.
Blink
To trick; to deceive.
Blink
A glimpse or glance.
This is the first blink that ever I had of him.
Blink
Gleam; glimmer; sparkle.
Not a blink of light was there.
Blink
The dazzling whiteness about the horizon caused by the reflection of light from fields of ice at sea; ice blink.
Blink
Boughs cast where deer are to pass, to turn or check them.
Blink
A reflex that closes and opens the eyes rapidly
Blink
Briefly shut the eyes;
The TV announcer never seems to blink
Blink
Force to go away by blinking;
Blink away tears
Blink
Gleam or glow intermittently;
The lights were flashing
Blink
It is a very brief interruption of one's visual perception.
In the blink of an eye, the thief had vanished.
Blink
In computing, a blink denotes the alternation between two visual states.
The cursor continued to blink on the empty document.
Common Curiosities
Is blinking voluntary?
Blinking can be both voluntary and involuntary, primarily serving to lubricate and protect the eye.
Can a blinking light indicate a signal?
Yes, a blinking light is often used to convey signals, warnings, or information.
Is flicker always undesirable?
Flicker is usually undesirable as it can be visually disturbing and indicative of defects or instability in light sources.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
