Flash vs. Dash — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 12, 2024
"Flash" often implies a sudden burst of light or appearance, while "dash" refers to a quick, sudden movement or action.
Difference Between Flash and Dash
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Flash" is commonly associated with a quick, intense burst of light or something that appears suddenly and briefly, like a flash of lightning. It can also refer to displaying something briefly to public view, suggesting transience or suddenness in visibility. On the other hand, "dash" involves rapid movement, often implying speed and urgency, as in running a short distance quickly or making a sudden movement towards or away from something. It suggests a swift, decisive action, sometimes with an element of spontaneity or haste.
In photography or lighting, "flash" refers to a sudden burst of artificial light to illuminate a scene, capturing a moment with clarity and detail. Conversely, "dash" in a physical context might describe an athlete's quick sprint in a race, emphasizing the speed and energy of the movement rather than light or visibility.
In terms of presentation, "flash" can denote showing something briefly to attract attention or make an impression, such as a "flash of color" or a "flash of brilliance." This usage highlights a momentary, often dramatic display. Meanwhile, "dash" can connote a certain style or flair in action or appearance, like adding a "dash of color" to an outfit, suggesting a small but significant addition that enhances the overall impression.
"Flash" can also imply something superficial or lacking in substance, as in the phrase "all flash and no substance," indicating something that attracts attention but lacks depth or value. In contrast, "dash" might carry connotations of adventurousness or boldness in action, as in doing something "with a dash of daring," which implies courage and determination in the face of challenges.
In technology, "flash" might refer to a sudden, brief transmission of data or information, as in a "flash message," highlighting the speed and immediacy of communication. "Dash," however, could be used metaphorically to describe the rapid execution of a task or operation, like "dashing off an email," indicating a quick and efficient completion.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A sudden burst of light or appearance.
A quick, sudden movement or action.
Common Usage
Associated with light, visibility, and brief displays.
Involves speed, urgency, and swift movements.
Context
Photography, visibility, superficial displays.
Physical movement, style or flair, adventurous actions.
Connotations
Transience, suddenness, superficiality.
Speed, energy, boldness, efficiency.
Examples
Flash of lightning, flash photography, flash of insight.
Dash to the finish line, dash of spice, dashing off a note.
Compare with Definitions
Flash
A sudden burst of light.
The photographer used a flash for the indoor shots.
Dash
A quick, sudden movement.
He made a dash for the door when it started raining.
Flash
To display something quickly and briefly.
She flashed a smile at the audience.
Dash
A small amount added to something.
Just a dash of salt can enhance the flavor.
Flash
A brief, sudden appearance or display.
A flash of anger crossed his face.
Dash
To complete something hurriedly.
She dashed off an email before leaving.
Flash
Superficial or showy display.
The event was all flash but no substance.
Dash
Style or flair in action or appearance.
He wore his hat with a dash of panache.
Flash
Quick transmission of information.
News of the victory spread in a flash.
Dash
A signal in Morse code, longer than a dot.
Morse code uses dots and dashes.
Flash
Shine in a bright but brief, sudden, or intermittent way
Lightning flashed overhead
An irritating neon sign flashed on and off
Dash
The dash is a punctuation mark that is similar in appearance to the hyphen and minus sign but differs from these symbols in length and, in some fonts, height above the baseline. The most common versions of the dash are the en dash –, longer than the hyphen; the em dash —, longer than the en dash; and the horizontal bar ―, whose length varies across typefaces but tends to be between those of the en and em dashes.
Flash
Move or pass very quickly
A sudden thought flashed through his mind
A look of terror flashed across Kirov's face
Dash
Run or travel somewhere in a great hurry
I must dash, I'm late
I dashed into the garden
Flash
Display (information or an image) suddenly on a television or computer screen or electronic sign, typically briefly or repeatedly
The screen flashed up a menu
Dash
Strike or fling (something) somewhere with great force, especially so as to have a destructive effect; hurl
The ship was dashed upon the rocks
Flash
A sudden brief burst of bright light
A flash of lightning
Dash
Used to express mild annoyance
Dash it all, I am in charge
Flash
A sudden or brief manifestation or occurrence of something
She had a flash of inspiration
Dash
An act of running somewhere suddenly and hastily
She made a dash for the door
Flash
A camera attachment that produces a brief very bright light, used for taking photographs in poor light
An electronic flash
If in any doubt use flash
Dash
A small quantity of a liquid added to something else
Whisky with a dash of soda
Flash
A platform for producing and displaying animation and video in web browsers.
Dash
A horizontal stroke in writing or printing to mark a pause or break in sense or to represent omitted letters or words.
Flash
Ostentatious stylishness or display of wealth
Workwear represents a move away from Eighties designer flash
Dash
Impetuous or flamboyant vigour and confidence; panache
He has youthful energy, dash, and charisma
Flash
Excess plastic or metal forced between facing surfaces as two halves of a mould close up, forming a thin projection on the finished object
Flap wheels are ideal for grinding off fibreglass flash
Dash
Short for dashboard
An indicator on the dash tells you what gear you are in
Flash
A rush of water, especially down a weir to take a boat over shallows.
Dash
To move with haste; rush
Dashed into the room.
Dashed down the hall.
Flash
A water-filled hollow formed by subsidence, especially any of those due to rock salt extraction in or near Cheshire in central England
Sandpits and flashes also attract visiting birds
Dash
To strike violently; smash
Waves dashing on the rocks.
Flash
Ostentatiously stylish or expensive
A flash new car
Dash
To break or smash by striking violently
The ship was dashed upon the rocks.
Flash
Relating to the language used by criminals or prostitutes.
Dash
To hurl, knock, or thrust with sudden violence
Dashed the cup against the wall.
Flash
To burst forth into or as if into flame.
Dash
To remove by striking or wiping
Dash tears from one's face.
Flash
To give off light or be lighted in sudden or intermittent bursts.
Dash
To splash; bespatter
Dash water on one's face.
Flash
To appear or occur suddenly
The image flashed onto the screen.
Dash
To write hastily. Often used with off
Dashed off a note to the dean.
Flash
To move or proceed rapidly
The cars flashed by.
Dash
To drink hastily. Often used with down
Dashed down a glass of milk.
Flash
To hang up a phone line momentarily, as when using call waiting.
Dash
To add an enlivening or altering element to
A speech dashed with humor.
Flash
(Slang) To think of or remember something suddenly
Flashed on that time we got caught in the storm.
Dash
To affect by adding another element or ingredient to
Ice cream that was dashed with rum.
Flash
(Slang) To expose oneself in an indecent manner.
Dash
To destroy or wreck
Our hopes were dashed by the news.
Flash
To cause (light) to appear suddenly or in intermittent bursts.
Dash
To discourage or dispirit
"This discouraging information a little dashed the child" (Charles Dickens).
Flash
To cause to burst into flame.
Dash
To damn.
Flash
To reflect (light).
Dash
A swift, violent blow or stroke
Knocked the books to the floor with an impatient dash of his hand.
Flash
To cause to reflect light from (a surface).
Dash
A splash
Threw a dash of water on my face.
Flash
To make known or signal by flashing lights.
Dash
A small amount of an added ingredient
A dash of sherry.
Flash
To communicate or display at great speed
Flashed the news to the world capitals.
Dash
A quick stroke, as with a pencil or brush.
Flash
To exhibit briefly.
Dash
A sudden movement; a rush
Made a dash for the exit.
Flash
To hang up (a phone line) momentarily, as when using call waiting.
Dash
(Sports) A footrace, usually less than a quarter-mile long, run at top speed from the outset.
Flash
To display ostentatiously; flaunt.
Dash
A spirited quality in action or style; verve.
Flash
To fill suddenly with water.
Dash
Either of two symbols, an emdash or an endash, used in writing and in printing.
Flash
To cover with a thin protective layer.
Dash
In Morse and similar codes, the long sound or signal used in combination with the dot and silent intervals to represent letters or numbers.
Flash
A sudden, brief, intense display of light.
Dash
A dashboard.
Flash
A sudden perception
A flash of insight.
Dash
(typography) Any of the following symbols: ‒ (figure dash), – (en dash), — (em dash), or ― (horizontal bar).
Flash
A split second; an instant
I'll be on my way in a flash.
Dash
(computing) A hyphen or minus sign.
Flash
A brief news dispatch or transmission.
Dash
(by extension) The longer of the two symbols of Morse code.
Flash
(Slang) Gaudy or ostentatious display
"The antique flash and trash of an older southern California have given way to a sleeker age of cultural hip" (Newsweek).
Dash
A short run, flight.
When the feds came they did the dash.
Flash
A flashlight.
Dash
A rushing or violent onset.
Flash
Instantaneous illumination for photography
Photograph by flash.
Dash
Violent strike; a whack.
Flash
A device, such as a flashbulb, flashgun, or flash lamp, used to produce such illumination.
Dash
A small quantity of a liquid substance etc.; less than 1/8 of a teaspoon.
Add a dash of vinegar.
Flash
(Slang) The pleasurable sensation that accompanies the use of a drug; a rush.
Dash
A slight admixture.
There is a dash of craziness in his personality.
Flash
(Archaic) The language or cant of thieves, tramps, or underworld figures.
Dash
Ostentatious vigor.
Aren't we full of dash this morning?
Flash
Happening suddenly or very quickly
Flash freezing.
Dash
A dashboard.
Flash
(Slang) Ostentatious; showy
A flash car.
Dash
A bribe or gratuity; a gift.
Flash
Of or relating to figures of quarterly economic growth released by the government and subject to later revision.
Dash
A stand-in for a censored word, like "Devil" or "damn". (Compare deuce.)
Flash
Of or relating to photography using instantaneous illumination.
Dash
The dashboard of a Tumblr user.
Flash
(Computers) Of or relating to flash memory.
Dash
(intransitive) To run quickly or for a short distance.
He dashed across the field.
Flash
(Archaic) Of or relating to thieves, swindlers, and underworld figures.
Dash
To leave or depart.
I have to dash now. See you soon.
Flash
(transitive) To cause to shine briefly or intermittently.
He flashed the light at the water, trying to see what made the noise.
Dash
(transitive) To destroy by striking (against).
He dashed the bottle against the bar and turned about to fight.
Flash
(intransitive) To blink; to shine or illuminate intermittently.
The light flashed on and off.
Dash
(transitive) To throw violently.
The man was dashed from the vehicle during the accident.
Flash
(intransitive) To be visible briefly.
The scenery flashed by quickly.
Dash
To sprinkle; to splatter.
Flash
(transitive) To make visible briefly.
A number will be flashed on the screen.
The special agents flashed their badges as they entered the building.
She flashed me a smile from the car window.
Dash
To ruin; to destroy.
Her hopes were dashed when she saw the damage.
Flash
To expose one's intimate body part or piece of clothing, often momentarily. Contrast streak.
She flashed a vocalist at a rock concert.
Her skirt was so short that she flashed her underpants as she was getting out of her car.
Dash
(transitive) To dishearten; to sadden.
Her thoughts were dashed to melancholy.
Flash
(figurative) To break forth like a sudden flood of light; to show a momentary brilliance.
Dash
To complete hastily.
He dashed down his eggs.
She dashed off her homework.
Flash
To flaunt; to display in a showy manner.
He flashed a wad of hundred-dollar bills.
Dash
(transitive) To draw or write quickly; jot.
Flash
To communicate quickly.
The news services flashed the news about the end of the war to all corners of the globe.
To flash a message along the telephone wires;
To flash conviction on the mind
Dash
Damn in forming oaths.
Dash his impudence! Who is that scoundrel?
Flash
To move, or cause to move, suddenly.
Flash forward to the present day.
Dash
(euphemistic) Damn!
Flash
(transitive) To telephone a person, only allowing the phone to ring once, in order to request a call back.
Susan flashed Jessica, and then Jessica called her back, because Susan didn't have enough credit on her phone to make the call.
Dash
To throw with violence or haste; to cause to strike violently or hastily; - often used with against.
If you dash a stone against a stone in the botton of the water, it maketh a sound.
Flash
To evaporate suddenly. flash evaporation.}}
Dash
To break, as by throwing or by collision; to shatter; to crust; to frustrate; to ruin.
Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
A brave vessel, . . . Dashed all to pieces.
To perplex and dashMaturest counsels.
Flash
To climb (a route) successfully on the first attempt.
Dash
To put to shame; to confound; to confuse; to abash; to depress.
Dash the proud gamester in his gilded car.
Flash
To write to the memory of (an updatable component such as a BIOS chip or games cartridge).
In order to flash a custom ROM to a phone, the boot loader must be unlocked first.
Dash
To form or sketch rapidly or carelessly; to execute rapidly, or with careless haste; - with off; as, to dash off a review or sermon.
Flash
To cover with a thin layer, as objects of glass with glass of a different colour.
Dash
To erase by a stroke; to strike out; knock out; - with out; as, to dash out a word.
Flash
To expand (blown glass) into a disc.
Dash
To rush with violence; to move impetuously; to strike violently; as, the waves dash upon rocks.
[He] dashed through thick and thin.
On each hand the gushing waters play,And down the rough cascade all dashing fall.
Flash
(transitive) To send by some startling or sudden means.
Dash
Violent striking together of two bodies; collision; crash.
Flash
(intransitive) To burst out into violence.
Dash
A sudden check; abashment; frustration; ruin; as, his hopes received a dash.
Flash
(juggling) To perform a flash.
Dash
A rapid movement, esp. one of short duration; a quick stroke or blow; a sudden onset or rush; as, a bold dash at the enemy; a dash of rain.
She takes upon her bravely at first dash.
Flash
(metallurgy) To release the pressure from a pressurized vessel.
Dash
Energy in style or action; animation; spirit.
Flash
To trick up in a showy manner.
Dash
A vain show; a blustering parade; a flourish; as, to make or cut a great dash.
Flash
To strike and throw up large bodies of water from the surface; to splash.
Dash
A mark or line [-], in writing or printing, denoting a sudden break, stop, or transition in a sentence, or an abrupt change in its construction, a long or significant pause, or an unexpected or epigrammatic turn of sentiment. Dashes are also sometimes used instead of marks or parenthesis.
Flash
A sudden, short, temporary burst of light.
Dash
The sign of staccato, a small mark [ ] denoting that the note over which it is placed is to be performed in a short, distinct manner.
Flash
A very short amount of time.
Dash
A short, spirited effort or trial of speed upon a race course; - used in horse racing, when a single trial constitutes the race.
Flash
A flashlight; an electric torch.
Dash
Distinctive and stylish elegance;
He wooed her with the confident dash of a cavalry officer
Flash
(figuratively) A sudden and brilliant burst, as of genius or wit.
Dash
A quick run
Flash
(uncountable) Pizzazz, razzle-dazzle.
Dash
A footrace run at top speed;
He is preparing for the 100-yard dash
Flash
Material left around the edge of a moulded part at the parting line of the mould.
Dash
A punctuation mark (-) used between parts of a compound word or between the syllables of a word when the word is divided at the end of a line of text
Flash
The strips of bright cloth or buttons worn around the collars of market traders.
Dash
The longer of the two telegraphic signals used in Morse code
Flash
(juggling) A pattern where each prop is thrown and caught only once.
Dash
The act of moving with great haste;
He made a dash for the door
Flash
(linguistics) A language, created by a minority to maintain cultural identity, that cannot be understood by the ruling class.
Dash
Run or move very quickly or hastily;
She dashed into the yard
Flash
(photography) camera flash
Dash
Break into pieces, as by striking or knocking over;
Smash a plate
Flash
(archaic) A preparation of capsicum, burnt sugar, etc., for colouring liquor to make it look stronger.
Dash
Hurl or thrust violently;
He dashed the plate against the wall
Waves were dashing against the rock
Flash
(military) A form of military insignia.
I just got my first commando flash.
Dash
Destroy or break;
Dashed ambitions and hopes
Flash
Clipping of flash memory
The hybrid drive has 500 gigabytes of hard disk space for bulk storage and 2 gigabytes of high-speed flash for caching frequently-accessed files.
Dash
Cause to lose courage;
Dashed by the refusal
Flash
Any of various lycaenid butterflies of the genera Artipe, Deudorix and Rapala.
Dash
Add an enlivening or altering element to;
Blue paint dashed with white
Flash
A tattoo flash example design on paper to give an idea of a possible tattoo.
Flash
The sudden sensation of being "high" after taking a recreational drug.
Flash
(dated) A newsflash.
Flash
A brief exposure or making visible (of a smile, badge, etc).
Flash
The (intentional or unintentional) exposure of an intimate body part or undergarment in public.
Panty flash
Flash
A pool.
Flash
(engineering) A reservoir and sluiceway beside a navigable stream, just above a shoal, so that the stream may pour in water as boats pass, and thus bear them over the shoal.
Flash
Expensive-looking and demanding attention; stylish; showy.
Flash
Having plenty of ready money.
Flash
Liable to show off expensive possessions or money.
Flash
Occurring very rapidly, almost instantaneously.
Flash
Relating to thieves and vagabonds.
The flash language: thieves' cant or slang
Flash notes: counterfeit banknotes
Flash
To burst or break forth with a sudden and transient flood of flame and light; as, the lighting flashes vividly; the powder flashed.
Flash
To break forth, as a sudden flood of light; to burst instantly and brightly on the sight; to show a momentary brilliancy; to come or pass like a flash.
Names which have flashed and thundered as the watch words of unnumbered struggles.
The object is made to flash upon the eye of the mind.
A thought flashed through me, which I clothed in act.
Flash
To burst forth like a sudden flame; to break out violently; to rush hastily.
Every hourHe flashes into one gross crime or other.
Flash
To send out in flashes; to cause to burst forth with sudden flame or light.
The chariot of paternal Deity,Flashing thick flames.
Flash
To convey as by a flash; to light up, as by a sudden flame or light; as, to flash a message along the wires; to flash conviction on the mind.
Flash
To trick up in a showy manner.
Limning and flashing it with various dyes.
Flash
To strike and throw up large bodies of water from the surface; to splash.
He rudely flashed the waves about.
Flash
A sudden burst of light; a flood of light instantaneously appearing and disappearing; a momentary blaze; as, a flash of lightning.
Flash
A sudden and brilliant burst, as of wit or genius; a momentary brightness or show.
The flash and outbreak of a fiery mind.
No striking sentiment, no flash of fancy.
Flash
The time during which a flash is visible; an instant; a very brief period.
The Persians and Macedonians had it for a flash.
Flash
A preparation of capsicum, burnt sugar, etc., for coloring and giving a fictitious strength to liquors.
Flash
A lamp for providing intense momentary light to take a photograph; as, to take a picture without a flash.
Flash
Same as flashlight.
Flash
A short news item providing recently received and usually preliminary information about an event that is considered important enough to interrupt normal broadcasting or other news delivery services; also called a news flash or bulletin.
Flash
Slang or cant of thieves and prostitutes.
Flash
A pool.
Flash
A reservoir and sluiceway beside a navigable stream, just above a shoal, so that the stream may pour in water as boats pass, and thus bear them over the shoal.
Flash
Showy, but counterfeit; cheap, pretentious, and vulgar; as, flash jewelry; flash finery.
Flash
Wearing showy, counterfeit ornaments; vulgarly pretentious; as, flash people; flash men or women; - applied especially to thieves, gamblers, and prostitutes that dress in a showy way and wear much cheap jewelry.
Flash
A sudden intense burst of radiant energy
Flash
A momentary brightness
Flash
A short vivid experience;
A flash of emotion swept over him
The flashings of pain were a warning
Flash
A sudden brilliant understanding;
He had a flash of intuition
Flash
A very short time (as the time it takes the eye blink or the heart to beat);
If I had the chance I'd do it in a flash
Flash
A burst of light used to communicate or illuminate
Flash
A short news announcement concerning some on-going news story
Flash
A bright patch of color used for decoration or identification;
Red flashes adorned the airplane
A flash sewn on his sleeve indicated the unit he belonged to
Flash
A lamp for providing momentary light to take a photograph
Flash
Gleam or glow intermittently;
The lights were flashing
Flash
Appear briefly;
The headlines flashed on the screen
Flash
Display proudly; act ostentatiously or pretentiously;
He showed off his new sports car
Flash
Make known or cause to appear with great speed;
The latest intelligence is flashed to all command posts
Flash
Run or move very quickly or hastily;
She dashed into the yard
Flash
Expose or show briefly;
He flashed a $100 bill
Flash
Protect by covering with a thin sheet of metal;
Flash the roof
Flash
Emit a brief burst of light;
A shooting star flashed and was gone
Flash
Tastelessly showy;
A flash car
A flashy ring
Garish colors
A gaudy costume
Loud sport shirts
A meretricious yet stylish book
Tawdry ornaments
Common Curiosities
Can "flash" only refer to light?
While "flash" often refers to light, it can also describe anything that appears or is shown suddenly and briefly, not limited to light.
Does "dash" imply a small amount in all contexts?
In some contexts, "dash" implies a small amount, like in cooking, but it generally refers to quick movements or actions in other scenarios.
Is "dashing" always about running?
"Dashing" can refer to running quickly, but it also describes doing something with style or flair, and can even refer to attractiveness.
Can "flash" be used in a negative context?
Yes, "flash" can have negative connotations, such as in "all flash and no substance," implying something lacks depth or value despite an impressive appearance.
How does "dash" relate to punctuation?
"Dash" in punctuation refers to a horizontal line used to separate parts of a sentence, indicating a range or pause, extending the term's association with connecting or transitioning quickly.
Can something "flash" without light?
Yes, "flash" can describe a sudden, brief appearance or display of something that isn't necessarily related to light, like a "flash of insight."
Are "flash" and "dash" interchangeable?
While both imply speed and suddenness, they are not interchangeable due to their different primary contexts: "flash" is more about sudden visibility or display, and "dash" is about quick movement or action.
Can "flash" and "dash" be used in technology?
Yes, both terms can be used in technology; "flash" for quick, brief transmissions or displays, and "dash" for rapid actions or operations.
Can "flash" indicate a permanent change?
"Flash" typically denotes something brief and transient, not a lasting change.
Is "dashing" a compliment?
Yes, describing someone as "dashing" usually means they have an attractive, adventurous, or stylish appearance or manner.
Does "dash" always imply speed?
While "dash" often implies speed, it can also refer to a style, energy, or small amount of something, not always directly related to speed.
Is "dash" used in digital communication?
Yes, "dash" can describe the quick, efficient manner of digital actions, like "dashing off a quick reply" in messaging or emails.
Can "flash" refer to a lasting impact?
Despite its association with brevity, a "flash" of something like insight or understanding can indeed have a lasting impact.
How do "flash" and "dash" differ in art?
In art, "flash" might refer to a visual effect or momentary appearance, while "dash" could describe a quick, bold stroke or movement in the artwork.
Can "flash" be a strategy?
In some contexts, like marketing or entertainment, a "flash" strategy might involve creating a sudden, intense focus or attention on something.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
