Animation vs. Cartoon: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on October 7, 2023
"Animation" is the technique of creating motion from still images, while a "cartoon" is a simplified, often humorous, drawing or a style of animation with such characters.
Difference Between Animation and Cartoon
"Animation" is a broad term that encompasses the art and science of creating motion in visuals by representing a series of static images in rapid succession. This can be achieved through various means, including hand-drawn techniques, computer-generated imagery (CGI), or even stop-motion photography. Animation has its roots in early cinematic experiments but has since evolved to become a major industry with applications ranging from entertainment to education.
Muazma Batool
Sep 28, 2023
On the other hand, the term "cartoon" traditionally referred to a simple, often humorous drawing found in newspapers or magazines. These drawings, sometimes accompanied by captions, aimed to provide commentary or satire on current events or societal trends. However, over time, the term "cartoon" has also been adopted to refer to animated TV shows or films that employ a specific, often simplified, style of drawing, especially those aimed at children.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
While all cartoons (in the sense of animated shows) are animations, not all animations are cartoons. Animation encompasses a wider range of styles and techniques. It includes everything from the lifelike movements in a CGI-rendered movie to the stop-motion animation of a claymation film.
Muazma Batool
Sep 28, 2023
Cartoons, when referred to in the context of animation, have a distinct stylistic approach. They often feature exaggerated characters, over-the-top expressions, and can be more forgiving in terms of adhering to real-world physics. This distinction is important because while cartoons aim for humor or storytelling in a specific style, animation as a whole is a vast field with diverse goals and techniques.
Elijah
Sep 28, 2023
In conclusion, while animation is about bringing static images to life in a cohesive, fluid motion, a cartoon is a style of drawing or animation characterized by its simplified and often humorous nature. Animation is the overarching technique, while cartoons are a subset or style within this domain.
Kaitlyn
Sep 28, 2023
Animation vs. Cartoon Comparison Chart
Definition
The technique of creating motion from still images.
A humorous drawing or a style of animated drawing.
Muazma Batool
Sep 28, 2023
Scope
Encompasses various styles and techniques.
A subset of animation with a specific style.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Medium
Can be hand-drawn, computer-generated, or stop-motion.
Typically 2D, but can be 3D.
Muazma Batool
Sep 28, 2023
Audience
Can target all age groups, depending on content.
Often, but not always, aimed at younger audiences.
Lucas
Sep 28, 2023
Historical Reference
Dates back to early cinematic experiments.
Originally referred to humorous drawings in print.
Levi
Sep 28, 2023
Animation vs. Cartoon Definitions
◉Animation
A movie or clip created by displaying a series of individual frames in rapid succession.
The new animation has been nominated for several awards.
Muazma Batool
Sep 17, 2023
◉Cartoon
A full-size design for a picture or design.
The artist sketched a cartoon before creating the mural.
Levi
Sep 17, 2023
◉Animation
A dynamic visual representation, often in video format, showing a sequence of events or processes.
The tutorial used animation to explain the complex procedure.
Henry
Sep 17, 2023
◉Cartoon
A motion picture using animation techniques to photograph a sequence of drawings.
Saturday mornings were reserved for watching cartoons.
William
Sep 17, 2023
◉Animation
The act, process, or result of imparting life, interest, spirit, motion, or activity.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cartoon
A satirical or humorous drawing published in a newspaper or magazine.
The cartoon poked fun at the recent event.
Kaitlyn
Sep 17, 2023
◉Animation
The quality or condition of being alive, active, spirited, or vigorous.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cartoon
A drawing depicting a humorous situation, often accompanied by a caption.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Animation
The art or process of making movies with drawings, computer graphics, or photographs of static objects, including all techniques other than the continuous filming of live-action images.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cartoon
A drawing representing current public figures or issues symbolically and often satirically
a political cartoon.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cartoon
A preliminary sketch similar in size to the work, such as a fresco, that is to be copied from it.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Animation
The technique of making inanimate objects or drawings appear to move in motion pictures or computer graphics; the object (film, computer game, etc.) so produced
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Animation
The state of being lively, brisk, or full of spirit and vigor; vivacity; spiritedness
He recited the story with great animation.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cartoon
A ridiculously oversimplified or stereotypical representation
criticized the actor's portrayal of Jefferson as a historically inaccurate cartoon.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Animation
(linguistics) conversion from the inanimate to animate grammatical category
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Animation
Activities offered by a holiday resort encompassing activities that include movement, joy, leisure and spectacle, such as games, sports, shows, events, etc.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Animation
The act of animating, or giving life or spirit; the state of being animate or alive.
The animation of the same soul quickening the whole frame.
Perhaps an inanimate thing supplies me, while I am speaking, with whatever I possess of animation.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cartoon
(comics) A humorous drawing, often with a caption, or a strip of such drawings.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Animation
The state of being lively, brisk, or full of spirit and vigor; vivacity; spiritedness; as, he recited the story with great animation.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Animation
the condition of living or the state of being alive;
while there's life there's hope
life depends on many chemical and physical processes
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Animation
the property of being able to survive and grow;
the vitality of a seed
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cartoon
(arts) A full-sized drawing that serves as the template for a fresco, a tapestry, etc.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cartoon
(animation) An animated piece of film which is often but not exclusively humorous.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Animation
The art of making inanimate objects or drawings appear to move in motion pictures or computer graphics.
The animation in the movie was breathtaking and lifelike.
Leo
Sep 17, 2023
◉Cartoon
A design or study drawn of the full size, to serve as a model for transferring or copying; - used in the making of mosaics, tapestries, fresco pantings and the like; as, the cartoons of Raphael.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Animation
The act or process of animating or giving life to something.
The animation of the toy store at night was magical to behold.
Muazma Batool
Sep 17, 2023
◉Cartoon
A large pictorial sketch, as in a journal or magazine; esp. a pictorial caricature; as, the cartoons of "Puck."
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Animation
Liveliness or vigor.
Her face lit up with animation when she spoke about her passion.
Jonathan
Sep 17, 2023
◉Cartoon
a motion picture consisting of a series of frames, each being a photograph of a drawing rather than a frame produced by filming a scene of true action, and in which the objects are displaced slightly in succeeding frames so as to give the appearance of motion when projected as a motion picture on the screen. The types of characters portrayed in such films are often similar or identical to those in a comic strip.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cartoon
a humorous or satirical drawing published in a newspaper or magazine
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cartoon
a film made by photographing a series of cartoon drawings to give the illusion of movement when projected in rapid sequence
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Cartoon
A simple drawing showing the features of its subjects in a humorously exaggerated way.
The cartoon depicted the politician in a funny light.
Jonathan
Sep 17, 2023
Animation vs. Cartoon Frequently Asked Questions
Are animations always hand-drawn?
No, animations can be hand-drawn, computer-generated, or created using stop-motion techniques.
Jonathan
Sep 28, 2023
Can a cartoon be considered an animation?
Yes, when referring to animated shows, cartoons are a subset of animation.
Muazma Batool
Sep 28, 2023
Why are cartoons typically associated with humor?
Traditionally, cartoons were humorous or satirical drawings in print media.
William
Sep 28, 2023
What is animation?
Animation is the technique of creating motion from still images or objects.
Muazma Batool
Sep 28, 2023
What does cartoon traditionally refer to?
A cartoon is often a simple, humorous drawing or an animated show in a specific drawing style.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Do animations only cater to children?
No, animations can be made for audiences of all ages, depending on the content.
Elijah
Sep 28, 2023
What styles can animation encompass?
Animation can range from realistic CGI to simplistic, stylized approaches like cartoons.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Are all animated movies considered cartoons?
No, only those with a specific, often simplified style of drawing are considered cartoons.
Henry
Sep 28, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
