pixilated

adjective

pix·​i·​lat·​ed ˈpik-sə-ˌlā-təd 

variants or less commonly pixillated

1

: somewhat mentally unsound

also : bemused

2

: whimsical

pixilated pleasures

pixilation

ˌpik-sə-ˈlā-shən 

noun

Did you know?

Is it pixelated or pixilated?

Pixelated is used to describe digital images in which individual pixels are discernable, as when you look closely at a large photo and can see the tiny dots that make up the image. Pixilated (coined from pixie, a pixie being a cheerful, mischievous sprite) is usually used to describe things considered whimsical, or people who seem dazed or lost in thought. While pixelated is a late 20th century coinage, pixilated has been in use since the mid-19th century.

Synonyms

• addle
• addled
• addlepated
• bedeviled
• befogged
• befuddled
• bemused
• bewildered
• bushed [chiefly Australian]
• confounded
• confused
• dazed
• distracted
• dizzy
• dopey
• dopy
• fogged
• mixed-up
• muddleheaded
• muzzy
• punch-drunk
• punchy
• raddled
• shell-shocked
• silly
• slaphappy
• spaced-out
• spaced
• spacey
• spacy
• stunned
• stupefied
• zonked
• zonked-out

Examples of pixilated in a Sentence

a pixilated waitress who couldn't seem to get anything straight

Recent Examples on the Web

Offering feedback cultivates a supportive environment that encourages employee growth, reduces misunderstandings, and ultimately boosts productivity—each of which can be even more complex and complicated to achieve through a pixilated screen. —William Arruda, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2023

Williams reimagined the print, introduced by the French Maison in 1889, with a pixilated twist for his first collection, appearing on an assortment of lengthy overcoats, matching suits, and one stylish collarless tapestry jacket. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 21 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

irregular from pixie

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1