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]
flicker
Example
The candle flame flickered in the wind. [flicker: verb]
Example
There was a flicker of doubt in his eyes. [flicker: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Blink is more commonly used than flicker in everyday language. Blink is a familiar term when talking about eye movements, while flicker is less commonly used but can add descriptive detail to various situations involving quick movements or changes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between blink and flicker?
Both blink and flicker are relatively informal words. However, blink is more commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, while flicker may be more commonly used in informal or creative writing.
