soft focus

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noun Photography.

an image, often created by a special lens, that is recognizable but somewhat blurred or diffused.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

Origin of soft focus

First recorded in 1915–20

soft-focus, adjective

At the time, I’d gotten these mall shots, the ones with soft focus, your hand on your face.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas Believes in Walking the Walk, Not Talking the Talk|Pallabi Munsi|February 12, 2021|Ozy
And Turn looks and feels like some sort of soft-focus dramatic-reenactment segment from a PBS documentary about Aaron Burr.
‘Halt and Catch Fire’ and AMC’s Push to Reset Dramas|Andrew Romano|May 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Liberal ad showed a soft-focus Trudeau in a school classroom meltingly promising a “better country.”
Justin Trudeau Has Canadians' Sympathy, But Not Their Respect|David Frum|April 27, 2013|DAILY BEAST
And the costuming of the soft-focus heroine is feminine, maternal and homey.
Ann Romney's Milk-and-Cookies Style Emphasizes Mitt's Softer Side|Robin Givhan|December 20, 2011|DAILY BEAST

The oilman airs soft-focus ads promoting wind power (wind is about right).
"The Blood Sporting of Picking Off CEOs"|Eric Dezenhall|October 5, 2008|DAILY BEAST