Purple vs. Aubergine — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 20, 2024
Purple is a broad color category in the spectrum, noted for its mixture of red and blue, while aubergine specifically refers to a deep purple resembling the color of the eggplant.
Difference Between Purple and Aubergine
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Key Differences
Purple encompasses a range of hues from light lavender to deep violet, based on its red and blue composition. Whereas aubergine is a specific shade of purple that closely mirrors the dark, almost blackish tone of eggplants.
In terms of cultural associations, purple is often linked to royalty, luxury, and sometimes spirituality due to its rarity in nature. Aubergine, on the other hand, evokes a more modern, sophisticated feel, often used in fashion and interior design for its depth and richness.
When it comes to visibility in nature, variations of purple can be seen in flowers, skies at dusk, or minerals. Aubergine is less commonly found in nature but is distinctly recognizable in the color of eggplants and some varieties of flowers and fruits.
In the art and design sector, purple is a popular choice for its versatility and emotional impact. Aubergine serves as a bold, contemporary choice that provides a striking contrast when paired with lighter or neutral colors.
From a psychological perspective, purple is thought to stimulate creativity and calmness. Aubergine, while still retaining some of these qualities, is often perceived as more luxurious and enveloping, creating a sense of opulence and mystery.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A secondary color made by mixing red and blue.
A dark purple color resembling that of the outer skin of European eggplants.
Common Associations
Royalty, luxury, spirituality
Sophistication, modernity, opulence
Occurrence in Nature
Flowers, skies, minerals
Eggplants, specific flowers and fruits
Usage in Design
Versatile, emotional range
Bold, contemporary, luxurious
Psychological Impact
Creativity, calmness
Luxury, envelopment, mystery
Compare with Definitions
Purple
A color at the end of the visible spectrum of light.
The sunset turned the clouds a soft purple.
Aubergine
Rare in natural occurrences outside of its namesake vegetable.
The only aubergine hues in the garden came from the eggplants themselves.
Purple
Symbolic of wealth and extravagance.
She wore a purple silk gown that spoke of opulence.
Aubergine
A dark purple color that resembles the skin of the fruit.
The designer chose aubergine for the dining room walls for a touch of elegance.
Purple
In politics, a mix of conservative red and liberal blue.
Purple states are considered swing states in elections.
Aubergine
Used in descriptions of fashion and design.
Her aubergine dress was the highlight of the evening.
Purple
Often associated with royalty and nobility.
The throne room was decorated in purple to emphasize regal authority.
Aubergine
Connotes a sense of mystery and depth.
The dimly lit room was painted in shades of aubergine, adding to its mystique.
Purple
Used to describe a bruise or injury.
The area around the wound was a deep, angry purple.
Aubergine
Reflects sophistication and depth.
He preferred the aubergine tie to make a subtle statement.
Purple
Purple may refer to any of a variety of colors with hue between red and blue. However, the meaning of the color term purple differs even among native speakers of English, for example when comparing speakers from the United Kingdom with those from the United States )..
Aubergine
The purple egg-shaped fruit of a tropical Old World plant, which is eaten as a vegetable.
A puree of aubergine
Purple
A colour intermediate between red and blue
The painting was mostly in shades of blue and purple
Aubergine
The large plant of the nightshade family which bears aubergines.
Purple
A crimson dye obtained from some molluscs, formerly used for fabric worn by an emperor or senior magistrate in ancient Rome or Byzantium.
Aubergine
See eggplant.
Purple
Of a colour intermediate between red and blue
A faded purple T-shirt
Aubergine
(British) An Asian plant, Solanum melongena, cultivated for its edible purple, green, or white ovoid fruit; eggplant.
Purple
Make or become purple in colour
Edmund's cheeks purpled
The neon was purpling the horizon above the highway
Aubergine
(British) The fruit of this plant, eaten as a vegetable.
Purple
Any of a group of colors with a hue between that of violet and red.
Aubergine
(color) A dark purple colour; eggplant.
Purple
Cloth of a color between violet and red, formerly worn as a symbol of royalty or high office.
Aubergine
Hairy upright herb native to southeastern Asia but widely cultivated for its large glossy edible fruit commonly used as a vegetable
Purple
Imperial power; high rank
Born to the purple.
Aubergine
Egg-shaped vegetable having a shiny skin typically dark purple but occasionally white or yellow
Purple
The rank or office of a cardinal.
Purple
The rank or office of a bishop.
Purple
Of the color purple.
Purple
Royal or imperial; regal.
Purple
Elaborate and ornate
Purple prose.
Purple
To make or become purple.
Purple
A color that is a dark blend of red and blue; dark magenta.
Purple
(colour theory) Any non-spectral colour on the line of purples on a colour chromaticity diagram or a colour wheel between violet and red.
Purple
Cloth, or a garment, dyed a purple colour; especially, a purple robe, worn as an emblem of rank or authority; specifically, the purple robe or mantle worn by Ancient Roman emperors as the emblem of imperial dignity.
To put on the imperial purple
Purple
(by extension) Imperial power, because the colour purple was worn by emperors and kings.
Purple
Any of various species of mollusks from which Tyrian purple dye was obtained, especially the common dog whelk.
Purple
The purple haze cultivar of cannabis in the kush family, either pure or mixed with others, or by extension any variety of smoked marijuana.
Purple
(medicine) Purpura.
Purple
Earcockle, a disease of wheat.
Purple
Any of the species of large butterflies, usually marked with purple or blue, of the genus Basilarchia (formerly Limenitis).
The banded purple
Purple
A cardinalate.
Purple
Ellipsis of purple drank
Purple
Having a colour/color that is a dark blend of red and blue.
Purple
(US politics) Not predominantly red or blue, but having a mixture of Democrat and Republican support.
Purple state
Purple city
Purple
(in Netherlands and Belgium) Mixed between social democrats and liberals.
Purple
Imperial; regal.
Purple
(of language) Extravagantly ornate, like purple prose.
Purple
Completed in the fastest time so far in a given session.
Purple
(intransitive) To turn purple in colour.
Purple
(transitive) To dye purple.
Purple
(transitive) To clothe in purple.
Purple
A color formed by, or resembling that formed by, a combination of the primary colors red and blue.
Arraying with reflected purple and goldThe clouds that on his western throne attend.
Purple
Cloth dyed a purple color, or a garment of such color; especially, a purple robe, worn as an emblem of rank or authority; specifically, the purple rode or mantle worn by Roman emperors as the emblem of imperial dignity; as, to put on the imperial purple.
Thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and purple, and scarlet.
Purple
Hence: Imperial sovereignty; royal rank, dignity, or favor; loosely and colloquially, any exalted station; great wealth.
Purple
A cardinalate. See Cardinal.
Purple
Any species of large butterflies, usually marked with purple or blue, of the genus Basilarchia (formerly Limenitis) as, the banded purple (Basilarchia arthemis). See Illust. under Ursula.
Purple
Any shell of the genus Purpura.
Purple
See Purpura.
Purple
A disease of wheat. Same as Earcockle.
Purple
Exhibiting or possessing the color called purple, much esteemed for its richness and beauty; of a deep red, or red and blue color; as, a purple robe.
Purple
Imperial; regal; - so called from the color having been an emblem of imperial authority.
Hide in the dust thy purple pride.
Purple
A chromatic color between red and blue
Purple
Of imperial status;
He was born to the purple
Purple
Become purple
Purple
Color purple
Purple
Of a color midway between red and blue
Purple
Excessively elaborate or showily expressed;
A writer of empurpled literature
Many purple passages
Speech embellished with classical quotations
An over-embellished story of the fish that got away
Purple
Belonging to or befitting a supreme ruler;
Golden age of imperial splendor
Purple tyrant
Regal attire
Treated with royal acclaim
The royal carriage of a stag's head
Common Curiosities
How is purple dye historically significant?
Historically, purple dye was extremely rare and expensive, made from the murex snail, which made it a symbol of wealth and status.
What types of purple are there other than aubergine?
Other types of purple include lavender, lilac, plum, and violet, each with distinct shades and tones.
Is aubergine a popular color for weddings?
Aubergine is a popular choice for fall and winter weddings due to its deep, rich tone and elegant appearance.
What are the challenges of using aubergine in design?
Its darkness can absorb light, making spaces appear smaller or dimmer, which requires careful balancing with lighter colors.
What psychological effects does aubergine have compared to lighter purples?
Aubergine tends to evoke feelings of luxury and mystery, whereas lighter purples like lavender might induce calmness and serenity.
How do cultural perceptions of purple differ globally?
In Western cultures, purple is often associated with royalty and luxury, while in some Eastern cultures, it can represent mourning and death.
How do lighting conditions affect the appearance of aubergine?
Aubergine can appear almost black in low light but reveals its rich purple hue under brighter lighting.
Which industries favor the use of the color aubergine?
The fashion, home decor, and automotive industries often use aubergine for its sophisticated and luxurious appeal.
Which flowers are naturally aubergine?
Some varieties of irises, tulips, and petunias can exhibit aubergine shades naturally.
What is the best way to feature aubergine in a small accessory?
Using aubergine in small doses, like in cushions, vases, or ties, can add a subtle yet powerful accent to outfits or interiors.
How does the meaning of purple change in political contexts?
In politics, purple is often used to represent a moderate or centrist stance, blending the ideologies of red (conservative) and blue (liberal).
What is the safest way to introduce aubergine into a home décor for beginners?
Start with small, removable elements like throw pillows, curtains, or wall art to incorporate aubergine without overwhelming the space.
How has the popularity of purple evolved in recent decades?
Purple has become more mainstream in fashion and home décor, shedding its royal connotations to some extent.
Can purple and aubergine be used together in design?
Yes, using varying shades of purple including aubergine can add depth and interest to design schemes.
What colors complement aubergine in a color scheme?
Aubergine pairs well with cream, gold, silver, and muted greens for a sophisticated palette.
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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.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
