What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
blink
Example
She blinked her eyes to clear away the tears. [blink: verb]
Example
The bright lights made him blink repeatedly. [blinked: past tense]
flash
Example
The lightning flashed across the sky during the storm. [flash: verb]
Example
He saw a flash of light before the power went out. [flash: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Blink is more commonly used than flash in everyday language. Blink is a familiar word that is frequently used to describe eye movements or reactions. In contrast, flash is less common and tends to be used in more specific contexts related to light, appearance, or emotions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between blink and flash?
Both blink and flash can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, blink is generally considered more casual and informal, while flash can be used in a wider range of formality levels.