verschwommen

Verschwommen is an adjective in German meaning blurred, hazy, or indistinct. It describes something lacking sharp edges or clear definition, such as an image, vision, or memory. The corresponding noun is die Verschwommenheit.

The word derives from verschwimmen, meaning to blur or fade by the loss of clear boundaries. It uses the prefix ver- and the verb schwimmen in a figurative transformation. In usage, it declines like a regular adjective: ein verschwommenes Bild, verschwommene Konturen, verschwommene Erinnerungen. In predicative position one can say Die Konturen sind verschwommen.

Verschwommen is used in physical and figurative contexts: a photograph can be verschwommen if it is out of focus or affected by motion blur; a memory can be verschwommen, i.e., unclear or hazy; the term can also describe vague or unclear concepts, borders, or plans.

Synonyms include unscharf, undeutlich, nebelhaft; the antonyms are scharf, deutlich, klar. Related terms include Verschwommenheit (the noun for blur or haze) and Bewegungsunschärfe (motion blur), which are technical terms in photography and optics.