Dent vs. Dimple — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 23, 2024
A dent is a depression caused by damage, while a dimple is a natural small depression in the skin, often seen as attractive.
Difference Between Dent and Dimple
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Dents typically occur as a result of impact or damage to surfaces like metal or wood, highlighting unwanted imperfections. On the other hand, dimples are small natural indentations on the skin, particularly on the cheeks or chin, often considered a desirable trait in many cultures.
In terms of formation, a dent is generally accidental and can detract from the aesthetic value of an object, such as a car or piece of furniture. Whereas dimples are congenital traits that appear when some people smile, caused by a minor muscle deformity, and are usually cherished as a sign of beauty.
The term "dent" can be applied broadly across various contexts, from automotive to household items, indicating physical damage. In contrast, "dimple" is primarily used in a human biological context, sometimes extending metaphorically to describe similar shapes in soft materials like cushions.
While dents usually require repair or can depreciate the value of an item, dimples require no correction and can enhance personal charm, illustrating the contrasting implications of these features in practical scenarios.
People often seek to avoid dents by protecting valuable items from damage, investing in repairs when they occur. Conversely, dimples, particularly facial ones, are sometimes so admired that people may seek cosmetic procedures to artificially create or enhance them.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A depression caused by damage
A small natural indentation in the skin
Desirability
Usually unwanted
Often considered attractive
Occurrence
Accidental, from impact
Congenital, natural
Context
Applied to various damaged surfaces
Mostly refers to human skin
Repair/Enhancement
Requires repair to restore appearance
May be enhanced for aesthetic reasons
Compare with Definitions
Dent
An indentation resulting from impact.
He found a small dent in the metal casing of his laptop.
Dimple
A congenital feature that enhances facial charm.
His chin dimple became more pronounced when he laughed.
Dent
Damage that deforms the surface.
The hailstorm left several dents on the hood of the vehicle.
Dimple
A small hollow that appears when smiling.
She has dimples just like her mother.
Dent
A noticeable depression in a hard surface.
Dropping the book caused a dent on the hardwood floor.
Dimple
A small natural indentation, usually in the skin.
Her smile revealed deep dimples on her cheeks.
Dent
A depression in a surface due to damage.
The car door had a noticeable dent after the accident.
Dimple
An attractive trait in human features.
He considered her dimples her most endearing feature.
Dent
A defect that impairs appearance.
The antique vase lost value due to a dent on its base.
Dimple
A mark of beauty often admired.
The baby’s dimples were adorable.
Dent
A depression in a surface made by pressure or a blow
A dent in the side of a car.
Dimple
A dimple (also known as a gelasin) is a small natural indentation in the flesh on a part of the human body, most notably in the cheek. Numerous cultures believe that cheek dimples are a good luck charm that entices people who think they are physically attractive, but they are also associated with heroism and innocence, which has been included in literature for many centuries.
Dent
(Informal) A significant, usually diminishing effect or impression
The loss put a dent in the team's confidence.
Dimple
A small depression in the flesh, either one that exists permanently or one that forms in the cheeks when one smiles.
Dent
(Informal) Meaningful progress; headway
At least made a dent in the work.
Dimple
Produce a dimple or dimples in the surface of
Rain began to fall, dimpling the water
Dent
See tooth.
Dimple
A small natural indentation in the flesh on a part of the human body, especially in the cheek or on the chin.
Dent
To make a dent in.
Dimple
A slight depression or indentation in a surface.
Dent
To become dented
A fender that dents easily.
Dimple
To form dimples by smiling.
Dent
A shallow deformation in the surface of an object, produced by an impact.
The crash produced a dent in the left side of the car.
Dimple
To produce dimples in.
Dent
(figurative) A minor impact or effect made upon something.
To make a dent
Dimple
A small depression or indentation in a surface.
The accident created a dimple in the hood of the car.
Dent
A type of maize/corn with a relatively soft outer hull, and a soft type of starch that shrinks at maturity to leave an indentation in the surface of the kernel.
Dimple
Specifically, a small natural depression on the skin, especially on the face near the corners of the mouth.
You have very cute dimples.
Dent
A sudden negative change, such as loss, damage, weakening, consumption or diminution, especially one produced by an external force, event or action
That purchase put a bit of a dent in my wallet.
Dimple
(transitive) To create a dimple in.
The hailstorm dimpled the roof of our car.
Dent
(engineering) A tooth, as of a card, a gear wheel, etc.
Dimple
(intransitive) To create a dimple in one's face by smiling.
The young girl dimpled in glee as she was handed a cupcake.
Dent
(weaving) A slot or a wire in a reed
Dimple
To form dimples; to sink into depressions or little inequalities.
Dent
(transitive) To impact something, producing a dent.
Dimple
A slight natural depression or indentation on the surface of some part of the body, esp. on the cheek or chin.
The dimple of her chin.
Dent
(intransitive) To develop a dent or dents.
Copper is soft and dents easily.
Dimple
A slight indentation on any surface.
The garden pool's dark surface . . . Breaks into dimples small and bright.
Dent
A stroke; a blow.
Dimple
To form dimples; to sink into depressions or little inequalities.
And smiling eddies dimpled on the main.
Dent
A slight depression, or small notch or hollow, made by a blow or by pressure; an indentation.
A blow that would have made a dent in a pound of butter.
Dimple
To mark with dimples or dimplelike depressions.
Dent
A tooth, as of a card, a gear wheel, etc.
Dimple
A chad that has been punched or dimpled but all four corners are still attached
Dent
To make a dent upon; to indent.
The houses dented with bullets.
Dimple
Any slight depression in a surface;
There are approximately 336 dimples on a golf ball
Dent
An appreciable consequence (especially a lessening);
It made a dent in my bank account
Dimple
A small natural hollow in the cheek or chin;
His dimple appeared whenever he smiled
Dent
A depression scratched or carved into a surface
Dimple
Mark with, or as if with, dimples;
Drops dimpled the smooth stream
Dent
An impression in a surface (as made by a blow)
Dimple
Produce dimples while smiling;
The child dimpled up to the adults
Dent
Make a depression into;
The bicycle dented my car
Common Curiosities
What is a dent?
A dent is an indentation caused by an impact, damaging the surface of an object.
What causes a dent?
Dents are typically caused by accidents or forceful impacts against a surface.
Are dimples hereditary?
Yes, dimples are a genetic trait and can be inherited from parents.
Can dents be repaired?
Yes, dents in objects like cars and appliances can often be repaired to restore appearance.
Do all people with dimples have them on both cheeks?
Not necessarily; some people might have a dimple on only one cheek.
What is a dimple?
A dimple is a small, natural indentation in the skin, usually on the face, and often seen as attractive.
What does it mean when something 'dents your pride'?
This phrase metaphorically means something that causes a decrease in your self-esteem or confidence.
Why are dimples considered attractive?
Dimples are often viewed as signs of youthfulness and beauty, making them desirable.
Can you create dimples artificially?
Yes, cosmetic procedures can create dimples through surgery.
Can dimples fade over time?
Yes, facial dimples can become less pronounced with age as the skin loses elasticity.
How do cultural perceptions of dimples vary?
Cultural perceptions of dimples vary widely, but they are generally viewed positively across many societies.
How do you fix a dent in a car?
Car dents can be repaired through methods like paintless dent removal or traditional body shop repairs.
Are dimples only found on cheeks?
While cheek dimples are the most common, some people also have chin dimples.
Can dents affect the value of an object?
Yes, visible dents can decrease the resale value of items like cars and appliances.
What materials are most susceptible to dents?
Materials like metal, wood, and plastic can easily dent if hit with sufficient force.
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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.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
