Purple vs. Pink — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 2, 2024
Purple is a color traditionally associated with royalty and spirituality, a blend of red and blue, while pink, a lighter tint of red, symbolizes love and femininity.
Difference Between Purple and Pink
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Purple, a rich color blending red and blue, carries connotations of luxury, power, and mysticism, often used to denote royalty and spirituality across various cultures. In contrast, pink, a softer and lighter variant of red, is widely recognized for its association with femininity, romance, and gentleness, frequently chosen to represent love and nurturing qualities.
In terms of psychological effects, purple is thought to stimulate imagination and creativity, being preferred in spaces designed for reflection and deep thought. Pink, on the other hand, is believed to have a calming effect, reducing feelings of aggression and promoting a sense of peace and comfort, making it a popular choice for environments intended to be soothing and welcoming.
Historically, purple dye was rare and expensive, accessible only to wealthy individuals and rulers, which helped establish its association with wealth and exclusivity. Pink, however, became fashionable in the 18th century in Europe and was initially a color worn by both genders, though it has since become more closely associated with femininity and softness.
In the realm of fashion, purple is often seen as a statement color, bold and sophisticated, suitable for conveying confidence and depth. Pink offers versatility, ranging from bold magentas to soft pastels, enabling it to communicate everything from youthful playfulness to subtle elegance.
In nature, purple is less common, seen in specific flowers and minerals, suggesting rarity and enchantment. Pink is more prevalent, visible in flowers, skies at dawn or dusk, and certain animals, often evoking a sense of wonder and delicacy.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Connotations
Royalty, spirituality, luxury
Love, femininity, gentleness
Psychological Effects
Stimulates creativity, imagination
Calms, reduces aggression
Historical Association
Wealth, exclusivity
Fashionable, gender-neutral then femininity
Fashion
Bold, sophisticated
Versatile, from playful to elegant
Prevalence in Nature
Less common, suggests rarity
More prevalent, evokes wonder and delicacy
Compare with Definitions
Purple
Symbolizing royalty and spirituality.
The king wore a purple robe as a symbol of his status.
Pink
Common in nature.
The cherry blossoms bloom in vibrant shades of pink each spring.
Purple
Rare in nature.
The rare purple orchid is highly prized by collectors.
Pink
Symbolizing love and femininity.
Valentine's Day cards are often adorned with pink hearts.
Purple
Associated with creativity.
The writer's room was painted purple to inspire creativity.
Pink
Associated with gentleness and calm.
The nursery was painted a soft pink to create a calming atmosphere.
Purple
Blending of red and blue.
Artists often mix red and blue paint to create different shades of purple.
Pink
Versatile in fashion.
The designer's spring collection featured a range of pink shades from pastel to neon.
Purple
Signifies luxury and exclusivity.
Luxury goods are frequently packaged in purple to denote exclusivity.
Pink
A lighter tint of red.
Adding white to red paint will produce various shades of pink.
Purple
A colour intermediate between red and blue
The painting was mostly in shades of blue and purple
Pink
Pink is a color that is a pale tint of red and is named after a flower of the same name. It was first used as a color name in the late 17th century.
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 )..
Pink
Of a colour intermediate between red and white, as of coral or salmon
Her face was pink with embarrassment
Bright pink lipstick
Purple
A crimson dye obtained from some molluscs, formerly used for fabric worn by an emperor or senior magistrate in ancient Rome or Byzantium.
Pink
Having or showing left-wing tendencies
Pink politicians
Purple
Of a colour intermediate between red and blue
A faded purple T-shirt
Pink
Pink colour, pigment, or material
Soft pastel shades of pink and blue
Purple
Make or become purple in colour
Edmund's cheeks purpled
The neon was purpling the horizon above the highway
Pink
The best condition or degree
The economy is not in the pink of health
Purple
Any of a group of colors with a hue between that of violet and red.
Pink
A herbaceous Eurasian plant with sweet-smelling pink or white flowers and slender, typically grey-green leaves.
Purple
Cloth of a color between violet and red, formerly worn as a symbol of royalty or high office.
Pink
A small square-rigged sailing ship, typically with a narrow, overhanging stern.
Purple
Imperial power; high rank
Born to the purple.
Pink
A yellowish lake pigment made by combining vegetable colouring matter with a white base.
Purple
The rank or office of a cardinal.
Pink
Become pink
Cheryl's cheeks pinked with sudden excitement
Purple
The rank or office of a bishop.
Pink
Cut a scalloped or zigzag edge on
I pinked the edge of the fabric
Purple
Of the color purple.
Pink
Decorate
April pinked the earth with flowers
Purple
Royal or imperial; regal.
Pink
(of a vehicle engine) make a series of rattling sounds as a result of over-rapid combustion of the fuel–air mixture in the cylinders
The car was inclined to pink slightly in accelerating from a low engine speed
Purple
Elaborate and ornate
Purple prose.
Pink
Any of a group of colors reddish in hue, of medium to high lightness, and of low to moderate saturation.
Purple
To make or become purple.
Pink
Any of various plants of the genus Dianthus, such as sweet William, often cultivated for their showy, fragrant, usually pink, red, or white flowers. Also called dianthus.
Purple
A color that is a dark blend of red and blue; dark magenta.
Pink
Any of several other plants in the pink family, such as the wild pink.
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.
Pink
A flower of any of these plants.
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
Pink
The highest or best degree
In the pink of health.
Purple
(by extension) Imperial power, because the colour purple was worn by emperors and kings.
Pink
Light-colored trousers formerly worn as part of the winter semidress uniform by US Army officers.
Purple
Any of various species of mollusks from which Tyrian purple dye was obtained, especially the common dog whelk.
Pink
The scarlet coat worn by fox hunters.
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.
Pink
(Slang)A pinko.
Purple
(medicine) Purpura.
Pink
A small sailing vessel with a sharply narrowed stern and an overhanging transom.
Purple
Earcockle, a disease of wheat.
Pink
Of the color pink.
Purple
Any of the species of large butterflies, usually marked with purple or blue, of the genus Basilarchia (formerly Limenitis).
The banded purple
Pink
(Slang)Having moderately leftist political opinions.
Purple
A cardinalate.
Pink
To stab lightly with a pointed weapon; prick.
Purple
Ellipsis of purple drank
Pink
To decorate with a perforated pattern.
Purple
Having a colour/color that is a dark blend of red and blue.
Pink
To cut with pinking shears.
Purple
(US politics) Not predominantly red or blue, but having a mixture of Democrat and Republican support.
Purple state
Purple city
Pink
(regional) The common minnow, Phoxinus phoxinus.
Purple
(in Netherlands and Belgium) Mixed between social democrats and liberals.
Pink
(regional) A young Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, before it becomes a smolt; a parr.
Purple
Imperial; regal.
Pink
A narrow boat.
Purple
(of language) Extravagantly ornate, like purple prose.
Pink
(obsolete) A small hole made by puncturing something, as with a rapier, dagger, or pinking iron.
Purple
Completed in the fastest time so far in a given session.
Pink
(obsolete) A small hole or puncture made by a sharp, slender instrument such as a rapier, poniard or dagger, or (by extension) a bullet; a stab.
Purple
(intransitive) To turn purple in colour.
Pink
(obsolete) A small hole or eyelet punched in a garment for decoration, as with a pinking iron; a scallop.
Purple
(transitive) To dye purple.
Pink
Any of various flowers in the genus Dianthus, sometimes called carnations.
This garden in particular has a beautiful bed of pinks.
Purple
(transitive) To clothe in purple.
Pink
(dated) A perfect example; excellence, perfection; the embodiment of some quality.
Your hat, madam, is the very pink of fashion.
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.
Pink
(color) The colour of this flower, between red and white; pale red.
My new dress is a wonderful shade of pink.
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.
Pink
Hunting pink; scarlet, as worn by hunters.
Purple
Hence: Imperial sovereignty; royal rank, dignity, or favor; loosely and colloquially, any exalted station; great wealth.
Pink
(snooker) One of the colour balls used in snooker, coloured pink, with a value of 6 points.
Oh dear, he's left himself snookered behind the pink.
Purple
A cardinalate. See Cardinal.
Pink
(slang) An unlettered and uncultured, but relatively prosperous, member of the middle classes; compare Babbitt, bourgeoisie.
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.
Pink
(slang) The vagina or vulva.
Purple
Any shell of the genus Purpura.
Pink
(historical) Any of various lake#Etymology 4 pigments or dyes in yellow, yellowish green, or brown shades made with plant coloring and a metallic oxide base.
Purple
See Purpura.
Pink
To decorate a piece of clothing or fabric by adding holes or by scalloping the fringe.
Purple
A disease of wheat. Same as Earcockle.
Pink
To prick with a sword.
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.
Pink
To wound by irony, criticism, or ridicule.
Purple
Imperial; regal; - so called from the color having been an emblem of imperial authority.
Hide in the dust thy purple pride.
Pink
(intransitive) To become pink in color, to redden.
Purple
A chromatic color between red and blue
Pink
(transitive) To turn (something) pink.
Purple
Of imperial status;
He was born to the purple
Pink
(transitive) To turn (a topaz or other gemstone) pink by the application of heat.
Purple
Become purple
Pink
Of a motor car, to emit a high "pinking" noise, usually as a result of ill-set ignition timing for the fuel used (in a spark ignition engine).
Purple
Color purple
Pink
Of a musical instrument, to sound a very high-pitched, short note.
Purple
Of a color midway between red and blue
Pink
(obsolete) To wink; to blink.
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
Pink
Having a colour between red and white; pale red.
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
Pink
Of a fox-hunter's jacket: scarlet.
Pink
Having conjunctivitis.
Pink
(obsolete) By comparison to red (communist), describing someone who sympathizes with the ideals of communism without actually being a Russian-style communist: a pinko.
Pink
(informal) Relating to women or girls.
Pink job
Pink
(obsolete) Half-shut; winking.
Pink
A vessel with a very narrow stern; - called also pinky.
Pink
A stab.
Pink
A name given to several plants of the caryophyllaceous genus Dianthus, and to their flowers, which are sometimes very fragrant and often double in cultivated varieties. The species are mostly perennial herbs, with opposite linear leaves, and handsome five-petaled flowers with a tubular calyx.
Pink
A color resulting from the combination of a pure vivid red with more or less white; - so called from the common color of the flower.
Pink
Anything supremely excellent; the embodiment or perfection of something.
Pink
The European minnow; - so called from the color of its abdomen in summer.
Pink
To wink; to blink.
Pink
To pierce with small holes; to cut the edge of, as cloth or paper, in small scallops or angles.
Pink
To stab; to pierce as with a sword.
Pink
To choose; to cull; to pick out.
Pink
Half-shut; winking.
Pink
Resembling the garden pink in color; of the color called pink (see 6th Pink, 2); as, a pink dress; pink ribbons.
Pink
A light shade of red
Pink
Any of various flowers of plants of the genus Dianthus cultivated for their fragrant flowers
Pink
Make light, repeated taps on a surface;
He was tapping his fingers on the table impatiently
Pink
Sound like a car engine that is firing too early;
The car pinged when I put in low-octane gasoline
The car pinked when the ignition was too far retarded
Pink
Cut in a zig-zag pattern with pinking shears, in sewing
Pink
Of a light shade of red
Common Curiosities
Why does purple stimulate creativity?
Purple stimulates creativity because it combines the calm stability of blue and the fiery energy of red, creating an ideal psychological balance for creative thinking and imagination.
Is pink only for girls?
No, pink is not only for girls; it's a color that can be embraced by anyone, regardless of gender, and its associations can vary across different cultures and contexts.
What cultures have specific meanings for purple?
Many cultures have specific meanings for purple, often related to royalty, spirituality, and sometimes mourning, reflecting the color's historical significance and rarity.
Are there any negative connotations with purple or pink?
In some contexts, purple can be associated with decadence or pomposity, and pink might be viewed as overly girlish or weak, though these connotations are subjective and can vary widely.
How do purple and pink affect mood?
Purple is thought to inspire and deepen contemplation, potentially boosting creativity and imagination, while pink is believed to have a calming effect, promoting feelings of comfort and compassion.
What does a preference for purple or pink say about a person?
A preference for purple might suggest a love for the mysterious and a depth of personality, while preferring pink might indicate a nurturing, optimistic, and gentle nature.
Can men wear pink?
Absolutely, men can wear pink, and many do confidently; color preferences and fashion choices are increasingly recognized as personal expressions beyond traditional gender norms.
Is purple a spiritual color?
Yes, purple is often considered a spiritual color, associated with higher consciousness, meditation, and spiritual awareness in various traditions.
Why is purple considered a royal color?
Purple is considered a royal color due to its historical rarity and the expense of the dye originally used to produce it, making it accessible only to the wealthy and powerful.
Can pink be a powerful color?
Yes, pink can be a powerful color, symbolizing strength and confidence, especially in brighter and more saturated shades like hot pink.
How is purple made in nature?
In nature, purple can be made through a combination of natural pigments and the way light is absorbed and reflected by certain materials, such as in minerals and flowers.
How do different shades of pink affect its symbolism?
Different shades of pink can affect its symbolism, with lighter pinks associated with sweetness and innocence, and brighter pinks conveying energy, fun, and confidence.
Why was purple dye so expensive historically?
Historically, purple dye was expensive because it was made from the rare Murex snail, requiring thousands of snails to produce a small amount of dye, making it exclusive to the elite.
What emotions does pink evoke?
Pink can evoke a range of emotions from warmth, comfort, and calm to joy and playfulness, depending on the shade and context.
How is purple used in design?
In design, purple is used to convey luxury, creativity, and depth, often chosen for branding, interiors, and products that aim to stand out and inspire.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Procurement vs. Purchase
Next Comparison
Thrombin vs. ProthrombinAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-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.
