Purple vs. Burgundy — What's the Difference?

A color combining red and blue.

Associated with luxury and elegance.

Associated with spirituality and mystery.

Frequently used in branding for its perceived value.

Symbolic of royalty and luxury.

A deep red color, reminiscent of the wine.

Variably vibrant or muted, depending on the shade.

Symbolic of sophistication and depth.

Representative of creativity and imagination.

Popular in fashion for its richness.

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 )..

Burgundy (; French: Bourgogne [buʁɡɔɲ] (listen)) is a historical territory and a former administrative region of east-central France. It is named for the Burgundians, an East Germanic people who moved westwards beyond the Rhine during the late Roman period.The name Burgundy has historically denoted numerous political entities, including kingdoms and duchies spanning territory from the Mediterranean to the Low Countries.

A colour intermediate between red and blue

A region and former duchy of east central France, centred on Dijon. The region is noted for its wine.

A crimson dye obtained from some molluscs, formerly used for fabric worn by an emperor or senior magistrate in ancient Rome or Byzantium.

Any of various red or white wines produced in the Burgundy region of France.

Of a colour intermediate between red and blue

Any of various similar wines produced elsewhere.

Make or become purple in colour

Burgundy A dark grayish or blackish red to dark purplish red or reddish brown.

Any of a group of colors with a hue between that of violet and red.

Alternative case form of Burgundy(red wine).

Cloth of a color between violet and red, formerly worn as a symbol of royalty or high office.

(color) A dark red colour tinged with purple, like that of Burgundy (red) wine.

Imperial power; high rank

Of a deep purple red color like that of Burgundy wine.

The rank or office of a cardinal.

An old province of France (in the eastern central part).

The rank or office of a bishop.

A richly flavored wine, mostly red, made in Burgundy, France.

Of the color purple.

A former province of eastern France that is famous for its wines

Royal or imperial; regal.

Red table wine from the Burgundy region of France (or any similar wine made elsewhere)

Elaborate and ornate

A dark purplish red to blackish red

To make or become purple.

A color that is a dark blend of red and blue; dark magenta.

(colour theory) Any non-spectral colour on the line of purples on a colour chromaticity diagram or a colour wheel between violet and red.

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.

(by extension) Imperial power, because the colour purple was worn by emperors and kings.

Any of various species of mollusks from which Tyrian purple dye was obtained, especially the common dog whelk.

The purple haze cultivar of cannabis in the kush family, either pure or mixed with others, or by extension any variety of smoked marijuana.

(medicine) Purpura.

Earcockle, a disease of wheat.

Any of the species of large butterflies, usually marked with purple or blue, of the genus Basilarchia (formerly Limenitis).

A cardinalate.

Ellipsis of purple drank

Having a colour/color that is a dark blend of red and blue.

(US politics) Not predominantly red or blue, but having a mixture of Democrat and Republican support.

(in Netherlands and Belgium) Mixed between social democrats and liberals.

Imperial; regal.

(of language) Extravagantly ornate, like purple prose.

Completed in the fastest time so far in a given session.

(intransitive) To turn purple in colour.

(transitive) To dye purple.

(transitive) To clothe in purple.

A color formed by, or resembling that formed by, a combination of the primary colors red and blue.

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.

Hence: Imperial sovereignty; royal rank, dignity, or favor; loosely and colloquially, any exalted station; great wealth.

A cardinalate. See Cardinal.

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.

Any shell of the genus Purpura.

See Purpura.

A disease of wheat. Same as Earcockle.

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.

Imperial; regal; - so called from the color having been an emblem of imperial authority.

A chromatic color between red and blue

Of imperial status;

Become purple

Color purple

Of a color midway between red and blue

Excessively elaborate or showily expressed;

Belonging to or befitting a supreme ruler;

Yes, when used thoughtfully, combining purple and burgundy can create a rich, visually interesting palette.

Its warmth and depth make burgundy a comforting choice for the cooler, more introspective seasons of autumn and winter.

Burgundy symbolizes sophistication, depth, richness, and maturity.

Purple can stimulate creativity and imagination, making it ideal for design spaces that aim to inspire.

Purple is known for its association with royalty, creativity, luxury, and spirituality.

If not used judiciously, purple’s vibrancy can be overpowering in branding, but when balanced, it can differentiate and elevate a brand.

Artists may choose purple to convey mystery, spirituality, or to stimulate the viewer's imagination.

A business might choose burgundy for its interiors to create a warm, sophisticated atmosphere that conveys quality and depth.

While often associated with luxury and creativity, in some cultures, purple can also symbolize mourning or spirituality.

Lighting can dramatically affect how shades of purple are perceived, with natural light enhancing its vibrancy and artificial light affecting its hue.

Industries that aim to convey luxury, sophistication, and a sense of tradition often prefer burgundy.

Burgundy can evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and a sense of refined elegance in interior spaces.

Though versatile, burgundy is particularly resonant in autumn and winter, though it can add richness to palettes in any season.

Designers may face challenges in balancing these strong colors within a palette to avoid overwhelming the senses and ensuring harmony.

Incorporating burgundy through key pieces like jackets, ties, or dresses can add depth and sophistication to an outfit.