Animation vs. Cartoon: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 30, 2023
Animation is a technique of creating illusionary motion through images, whereas a cartoon is a humorous or satirical drawing or animated piece, often caricatural.
Key Differences
Animation is a dynamic visual art form that involves creating moving images, usually but not exclusively, through drawing, CGI, or modeling. Cartoon refers to both static drawings and animated pieces, typically characterized by satire, humor, and exaggerated features.
Animation can encompass a variety of genres and styles, including both realistic and abstract depictions. Cartoon, while versatile, is generally recognized by its exaggerated, caricatural style and primarily seeks to entertain or convey humor.
Animation is a broader term that not only includes cartoons but also other forms like anime, claymation, and computer-generated imagery. Cartoon, usually in a simpler, stylized form, often aims to convey a story or a message in a light, entertaining manner.
The creation of animation involves meticulous planning, frame-by-frame illustration, or computer-generated imagery, creating an illusion of motion. Cartoon creation, whether animated or static, focuses on conveying concepts, often through humor or satire, with stylized, exaggerated illustrations.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A technique to create illusionary motion.
A humorous or satirical drawing or animated piece.
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Purpose
To create moving images in various genres.
Primarily to entertain or convey humor.
Scope
Encompasses a variety of forms and styles.
Generally characterized by exaggerated, caricatural style.
Creation Process
Involves frame-by-frame illustration or CGI.
Focuses on stylized, exaggerated illustrations.
Representation
Can be realistic or abstract.
Typically simpler and stylized.
Animation and Cartoon Definitions
Animation
Animation is the process of creating moving images by displaying a series of individual frames.
The animation of the character was so smooth that it seemed almost lifelike.
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Cartoon
A cartoon is a drawing or animated piece designed to amuse, often by caricaturing individuals or situations.
The cartoon made light of the political situation.
Animation
Animation is a versatile medium used in various genres, from educational content to entertainment.
The animation effectively illustrated the scientific concept to the students.
Cartoon
Cartoons are characterized by exaggerated features and stylized appearances.
The artist’s cartoon featured characters with oversized heads.
Animation
Animation can portray both realistic and fantastical worlds.
The animation transported the audience to a magical realm.
Cartoon
Cartoons can be static illustrations or animated sequences.
The cartoon strip in the newspaper made me laugh.
Animation
Animation can encompass a range of styles and techniques, including 2D, 3D, and stop-motion.
The movie used 3D animation to create stunning visual effects.
Cartoon
Cartoons often utilize humor and satire to convey messages or tell stories.
The cartoon cleverly satirized the contemporary society.
Animation
Animation involves meticulous planning and execution to create the illusion of motion.
The animation studio spent months perfecting the character’s movements.
Cartoon
A drawing depicting a humorous situation, often accompanied by a caption.
Animation
The act, process, or result of imparting life, interest, spirit, motion, or activity.
Cartoon
A drawing representing current public figures or issues symbolically and often satirically
A political cartoon.
Animation
The quality or condition of being alive, active, spirited, or vigorous.
Cartoon
A preliminary sketch similar in size to the work, such as a fresco, that is to be copied from it.
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.
Cartoon
A usually short, animated movie or television program.
Animation
Images or special effects created through animation.
Cartoon
An animated character in a movie or television program.
Animation
The act of animating, or giving life or spirit.
Cartoon
A comic strip.
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
Cartoon
A ridiculously oversimplified or stereotypical representation
Criticized the actor's portrayal of Jefferson as a historically inaccurate cartoon.
Animation
The state of being lively, brisk, or full of spirit and vigor; vivacity; spiritedness
He recited the story with great animation.
Cartoon
To draw a humorous or satirical representation of; caricature.
Animation
The condition of being animate or alive.
Cartoon
To make humorous or satirical drawings.
Animation
(linguistics) conversion from the inanimate to animate grammatical category
Cartoon
(comics) A humorous drawing, often with a caption, or a strip of such drawings.
Animation
Activities offered by a holiday resort encompassing activities that include movement, joy, leisure and spectacle, such as games, sports, shows, events, etc.
Cartoon
(comics) A drawing satirising current public figures.
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.
Cartoon
(arts) An artist's preliminary sketch.
Animation
The state of being lively, brisk, or full of spirit and vigor; vivacity; spiritedness; as, he recited the story with great animation.
Cartoon
(arts) A full-sized drawing that serves as the template for a fresco, a tapestry, etc.
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
Cartoon
(animation) An animated piece of film which is often but not exclusively humorous.
Animation
The property of being able to survive and grow;
The vitality of a seed
Cartoon
A diagram in a scientific concept.
Animation
Quality of being active or spirited or alive and vigorous
Cartoon
To draw a cartoon, a humorous drawing.
Animation
The activity of giving vitality and vigour to something
Cartoon
(arts) To make a preliminary sketch.
Animation
The making of animated cartoons
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.
Animation
General activity and motion
Cartoon
A large pictorial sketch, as in a journal or magazine; esp. a pictorial caricature; as, the cartoons of "Puck."
Cartoon
Same as comic strip.
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.
Cartoon
A humorous or satirical drawing published in a newspaper or magazine
Cartoon
A film made by photographing a series of cartoon drawings to give the illusion of movement when projected in rapid sequence
Cartoon
Draw cartoons of
Cartoon
Cartoons are versatile and can be used for political commentary, entertainment, or advertising.
The commercial used a catchy cartoon to promote the product.
FAQs
Can animation be realistic?
Yes, animation can depict highly realistic imagery, especially with advanced CGI techniques.
What is animation primarily used for?
Animation is used to create moving images for entertainment, education, advertising, and various other purposes.
Is a cartoon always humorous or satirical?
While cartoons often feature humor or satire, they can also address serious themes or messages.
Are cartoons only simple drawings?
While cartoons are often characterized by simplicity and exaggeration, they can also be intricate and detailed.
Is stop-motion a form of animation?
Yes, stop-motion is a technique of animation where objects are physically manipulated frame-by-frame.
What is the purpose of the exaggerated features in cartoons?
Exaggerated features in cartoons emphasize certain characteristics and enhance visual appeal or humor.
Are cartoons a form of art?
Yes, cartoons are a recognized art form with various styles and expressions.
Can cartoons be animated?
Yes, cartoons can be either static drawings or animated sequences.
How is animation created?
Animation is created by displaying a series of individual frames in rapid succession to create the illusion of motion.
Does animation always involve characters?
No, animation can depict characters, abstract shapes, landscapes, or various other subjects.
Can animation be used for educational purposes?
Absolutely, animation is a versatile medium used widely for educational content.
Can cartoons be wordless?
Yes, cartoons can convey meanings through visual elements alone, without using words.
Is computer-generated imagery (CGI) a form of animation?
Yes, CGI is a technique of animation that uses computer graphics to create moving images.
Can cartoons convey political messages?
Certainly, cartoons are often used to convey political commentary through satire and humor.
Can animation and cartoon overlap?
Yes, cartoons can be a subset of animation when they are brought to life through animated sequences.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
