Purple vs. Violet — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 3, 2023
"Purple" is a color intermediate between red and blue, while "Violet" is a spectral color, lighter and closer to blue. Though used interchangeably, they differ slightly in shade, with violet leaning slightly towards blue.
Difference Between Purple and Violet
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Purple and violet, both nestled within the same color family, boast distinctions that go beyond their names, extending into the realms of physics and perception. Purple is an intermediate color lying between red and blue, created by mixing these two primary colors. Conversely, violet stands alone as a spectral color, firmly embedded in the spectrum of visible light, and leans towards the blue end, showcasing a delicate, lighter hue.
The nuances in shades and interpretations of purple and violet often result in these terms being utilized interchangeably in everyday language, although they embody different visual experiences. Purple commonly takes on a richer, slightly darker demeanor, becoming a royal and luxurious shade often associated with wealth and majesty. On the flip side, violet tends to serenade a softer, lighter appearance, projecting a subtle, gentle visual tone that meanders towards the bluish end of the spectrum.
In cultural and artistic contexts, purple and violet tread along paths that reflect their perceptual and aesthetic differences. Purple, with its rich, enveloping warmth, has traditionally been linked to royalty, power, and luxury, a symbol that has permeated through historical and contemporary visuals. Violet, however, with its gentle, almost ethereal quality, has often been tied to meanings of delicacy, refinement, and in certain contexts, spirituality.
In the context of light and optics, violet claims a distinct position in the visible spectrum, lying at around 380-450 nanometers, a feature that underscores its independent status in the realm of colors. Purple doesn’t claim such a singular spot on the light spectrum, coming into being when red and blue light, residing at opposite ends of the spectrum, are combined, generating a composite, non-spectral color.
While these distinctions in color theory and visual perception are precise and acknowledged by artists and scientists alike, it is pivotal to recognize that the colloquial use of purple and violet is far more fluid. In daily dialogues and descriptions, the subtleties might blur, with both words sometimes sharing the stage to describe similar shades, illustrating the flexible and interpretative nature of color perception and language.
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Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
A secondary color between red and blue
A spectral color, lighter, and closer to blue
In Light Spectrum
Not a spectral color
Exists in the light spectrum (~380-450nm)
Shade
Tends to be darker and richer
Lighter, slightly more towards blue
Common Associations
Royalty, luxury
Delicacy, spirituality
Creation (in terms of light)
By mixing red and blue light
Exists on its own in the light spectrum
Compare with Definitions
Purple
A color intermediate between red and blue.
The sunset turned the clouds a light purple.
Violet
Often associated with qualities of delicacy and refinement.
The violet tint of the sky was calming.
Purple
Symbolic of wealth in various cultures.
Purple drapes adorned the opulent room.
Violet
A name of a flower that bears violet-colored blossoms.
Violets decorated the meadow with their tiny, vibrant blooms.
Purple
Used to describe something of superior quality.
The prose was purple and rich.
Violet
A color leaning more towards blue than red.
Her dress was a subtle shade of violet.
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 )..
Violet
Any of various low-growing herbs of the genus Viola, having short-spurred, irregular flowers that are characteristically purplish-blue but sometimes yellow or white.
Purple
A colour intermediate between red and blue
The painting was mostly in shades of blue and purple
Violet
Any of several similar plants, such as an African violet.
Purple
A crimson dye obtained from some molluscs, formerly used for fabric worn by an emperor or senior magistrate in ancient Rome or Byzantium.
Violet
The hue at the short-wavelength end of the visible spectrum, evoked in the human observer by radiant energy with wavelengths of approximately 380 to 420 nanometers; any of a group of colors, reddish-blue in hue, that may vary in lightness and saturation.
Purple
Of a colour intermediate between red and blue
A faded purple T-shirt
Violet
A plant or flower of the genus Viola, especially the fragrant Viola odorata; (inexact) similar-looking plants and flowers.
Purple
Make or become purple in colour
Edmund's cheeks purpled
The neon was purpling the horizon above the highway
Violet
(figurative) A person thought to resemble V. odorata, especially in its beauty and delicacy.
Purple
Any of a group of colors with a hue between that of violet and red.
Violet
A bluish-purple colour resembling that of most V. odorata.
Purple
Cloth of a color between violet and red, formerly worn as a symbol of royalty or high office.
Violet
Clothes and (ecclesiastical) vestments of such a colour.
Purple
Imperial power; high rank
Born to the purple.
Violet
(perfumes) The characteristic scent of V. odorata.
Purple
The rank or office of a cardinal.
Violet
Syn of onion.
Purple
The rank or office of a bishop.
Violet
Having a bluish-purple colour.
Purple
Of the color purple.
Violet
Any plant or flower of the genus Viola, of many species. The violets are generally low, herbaceous plants, and the flowers of many of the species are blue, while others are white or yellow, or of several colors, as the pansy (Viola tricolor).
Purple
Royal or imperial; regal.
Violet
The color of a violet, or that part of the spectrum farthest from red. It is the most refrangible part of the spectrum.
Purple
Elaborate and ornate
Purple prose.
Violet
In art, a color produced by a combination of red and blue in equal proportions; a bluish purple color.
Purple
To make or become purple.
Violet
Any one of numerous species of small violet-colored butterflies belonging to Lycæna, or Rusticus, and allied genera.
Purple
A color that is a dark blend of red and blue; dark magenta.
Violet
Dark blue, inclining to red; bluish purple; having a color produced by red and blue combined.
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.
Violet
Any of numerous low-growing small-flowered violas
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
Violet
A variable color that lies beyond blue in the spectrum
Purple
(by extension) Imperial power, because the colour purple was worn by emperors and kings.
Violet
Of a color midway between red and blue
Purple
Any of various species of mollusks from which Tyrian purple dye was obtained, especially the common dog whelk.
Violet
A spectral color with wavelengths between 380 and 450 nm.
The flowers in the field were a vibrant violet.
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.
Violet
Sometimes linked to spiritual or mystical qualities.
The priest wore violet during the liturgical season.
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
Blood-red; bloody.
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
Blood-red; bloody.
May such purple tears be alway shed.
I view a field of blood,And Tiber rolling with a purple blood.
Purple
To make purple; to dye of purple or deep red color; as, hands purpled with blood.
When mornPurples the east.
Reclining soft in blissful bowers,Purpled sweet with springing flowers.
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
Purple
Often associated with royalty and luxury.
The king wore a purple robe.
Purple
A term used to describe a political balance.
The state is considered purple due to its mixed political leaning.
Common Curiosities
Are purple and violet the same?
Though similar and sometimes used interchangeably, purple is generally darker, and violet is a spectral color leaning towards blue.
Can violet represent spiritual ideas?
Yes, violet is sometimes linked with spirituality and mystery.
What does violet symbolize in flowers?
Violet flowers often symbolize delicate love, affection, and modesty.
Does purple appear in the light spectrum?
No, purple is not in the light spectrum; it’s made by combining red and blue.
Why is purple linked with royalty?
Historically, purple dye was rare and expensive, often reserved for royalty.
Can purple be used to describe a region politically?
Yes, “purple” can denote a politically mixed or swing region.
Is violet in the rainbow?
Yes, violet is one of the colors in the visible spectrum and appears in the rainbow.
What symbolisms are attached to purple?
Purple is often associated with royalty, luxury, and wealth.
Is purple a secondary color?
Yes, purple is made by mixing the primary colors red and blue.
Is purple natural?
Purple occurs in nature, e.g., in flowers and sunsets, but it’s not a spectral color.
Is violet darker than purple?
Generally, no. Violet tends to be lighter and bluer than purple.
Can violet be linked to femininity?
Yes, violet is sometimes associated with feminine and gentle qualities.
How is purple created with pigments?
In terms of pigments, purple can be made by mixing red and blue.
What’s a common metaphor involving the color purple?
“Born to the purple” implies being born into royalty or privilege.
Is violet used in literature symbolism?
Yes, violet can symbolize things like modesty and humility in literature.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
