Meaning & Definition of word "Purple"

Purple

/ˈpɜːr.pəl/

noun:

  • 1. A color of deep red and blue.
    • Example: The artist chose purple as the predominant color in her painting.
  • 2. A shade or tint of purple.
    • Example: He decided to paint the walls in a soft purple.

adjective:

  • 1. Of a color intermediate between red and blue; a deep reddish-blue color.
    • Example: She wore a beautiful purple dress to the party.
  • 2. Associated with royalty, luxury, and wealth.
    • Example: The purple banners hung throughout the castle to signify the royal presence.
  • 3. Used to describe something that is dark or gloomy.
    • Example: The sky turned a purple hue as the storm approached.

Etymology

Middle English purpel, from Old French purpeul, from Latin purpura.

Common Phrases and Expressions

purple heart:

A medal awarded to U.S. military personnel wounded in action.

purple prose:

Stylized or excessive writing that is melodramatic or ornate.

to see red:

To become very angry; used in conjunction with purple to imply extreme rage.

Related Words

violet:

A color with a wavelength of light that is shorter than blue and longer than ultraviolet.

lavender:

A pale purple color, often derived from the lavender flower.

indigo:

A deep color between blue and violet in the spectrum.

Slang Meanings of purple

Meaning: To be purple

Example Sentence: After the party, he was feeling purple, mixing fun with exhaustion.

Meaning: Purple passion

Example Sentence: She has a purple passion for painting.