Scarlet vs. Crimson — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 19, 2023
Scarlet is a bright red color with a slight orange undertone, often associated with passion or danger. Crimson is a deep, rich red with a bluish undertone, commonly linked to royalty or sophistication.
Difference Between Scarlet and Crimson
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Scarlet is a vibrant, bright red that often leans toward the orange spectrum. It's a color frequently seen in flags, uniforms, and emblems. Crimson, on the other hand, is a darker, richer shade of red that veers towards the bluish-purple spectrum. This color is often used in academic robes or religious garments, denoting a certain gravity or formality.
From a grammatical perspective, both "scarlet" and "crimson" are primarily used as nouns to describe specific shades of red but can also function as adjectives. For example, you could refer to a "scarlet rose" or a "crimson sky." However, each color's unique hue allows it to be used in different contexts to evoke different feelings or symbolisms.
Scarlet and crimson also differ in historical significance and symbolism. Scarlet often symbolizes lust, danger, or attention, perhaps best exemplified by the phrase "scarlet letter." Crimson tends to represent power, nobility, or spirituality, as seen in its use in royal and ecclesiastical garments.
Lastly, while both colors are derived from natural sources, they historically come from different origins. Scarlet was often obtained from the cochineal insect, while crimson was traditionally derived from the kermes insect. Thus, although they are both shades of red, the source, symbolism, and appearance of scarlet and crimson are distinctly different.
Comparison Chart
Hue
Bright red with orange undertones
Deep red with bluish undertones
ADVERTISEMENT
Grammatical Usage
Noun and adjective
Noun and adjective
Symbolism
Passion, danger, attention
Royalty, nobility, spirituality
Historical Origin
Cochineal insect
Kermes insect
Common Use Cases
Flags, uniforms, emblems
Academic robes, religious garments
Compare with Definitions
Scarlet
Scarlet is a bright red color with orange undertones.
The scarlet dress caught everyone's attention.
Crimson
Crimson is a deep, rich red color with bluish undertones.
The crimson velvet was luxurious.
Scarlet
Scarlet is often used in flags and emblems.
The national flag featured a scarlet stripe.
Crimson
Crimson symbolizes nobility and power.
The king wore a crimson robe.
Scarlet
Scarlet can signify danger or warning.
The scarlet alert flashed on the screen.
Crimson
Crimson can function as both a noun and an adjective.
The sky turned a vivid crimson at sunset.
Scarlet
Scarlet is derived historically from the cochineal insect.
The scarlet dye was made from crushed cochineal.
Crimson
Crimson is often used in religious contexts.
The cardinal wore crimson vestments.
Scarlet
Scarlet can also function as an adjective.
She wore a scarlet lipstick.
Crimson
Crimson traditionally comes from the kermes insect.
Ancient crimson dyes were sourced from kermes.
Scarlet
Of a brilliant red colour
A mass of scarlet berries
Crimson
Crimson is a rich, deep red color, inclining to purple. It originally meant the color of the kermes dye produced from a scale insect, Kermes vermilio, but the name is now sometimes also used as a generic term for slightly bluish-red colors that are between red and rose.
Scarlet
A brilliant red colour
Papers lettered in scarlet and black
Crimson
Of a rich deep red colour inclining to purple
She blushed crimson with embarrassment
Scarlet
A strong to vivid red or reddish orange.
Crimson
A rich deep red colour inclining to purple
A pair of corduroy trousers in livid crimson, they were horrid to behold
Scarlet
Scarlet-colored clothing or cloth.
Crimson
(of a person's face) become flushed, especially through embarrassment
My face crimsoned and my hands began to shake
Scarlet
Of a strong to vivid red or reddish orange.
Crimson
A deep to vivid purplish red to vivid red.
Scarlet
Flagrantly immoral or unchaste
Scarlet thoughts.
Crimson
To make or become deeply or vividly red.
Scarlet
A brilliant red colour tinged with orange.
Crimson
A deep, slightly bluish red.
Scarlet
Cloth of a scarlet color.
Crimson
Having a deep red colour.
Scarlet
Of a bright red colour.
Crimson
Immodest. en
Scarlet
Sinful or whorish.
A scarlet woman
Crimson
(intransitive) To become crimson or deep red; to blush.
Scarlet
(Ireland) Blushing; embarrassed or mortified.
Crimson
(transitive) To dye with crimson or deep red; to redden.
Scarlet
(transitive) To dye or tinge (something) with scarlet.
Crimson
A deep red color tinged with blue; also, red color in general.
Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
A maid yet rosed over with the virgin crimson of modesty.
Scarlet
A deep bright red tinged with orange or yellow, - of many tints and shades; a vivid or bright red color.
Crimson
Of a deep red color tinged with blue; deep red.
The blushing poppy with a crimson hue.
Scarlet
Cloth of a scarlet color.
All her household are clothed with scarlet.
Crimson
To dye with crimson or deep red; to redden.
Signed in thy spoil and crimsoned in thy lethe.
Scarlet
Of the color called scarlet; as, a scarlet cloth or thread.
Crimson
To become crimson; to blush.
Ancient towers . . . beginning to crimson with the radiant luster of a cloudless July morning.
Scarlet
To dye or tinge with scarlet.
The ashy paleness of my cheekIs scarleted in ruddy flakes of wrath.
Crimson
A deep and vivid red
Scarlet
A variable color that is vivid red but sometimes with an orange tinge
Crimson
Turn red, as if in embarrassment or shame;
The girl blushed when a young man whistled as she walked by
Scarlet
Having any of numerous bright or strong colors reminiscent of the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies
Crimson
Having any of numerous bright or strong colors reminiscent of the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies
Crimson
Characterized by violence or bloodshed;
Writes of crimson deeds and barbaric days
Fann'd by Conquest's crimson wing
Convulsed with red rage
Crimson
(especially of the face) reddened or suffused with or as if with blood from emotion or exertion;
Crimson with fury
Turned red from exertion
With puffy reddened eyes
Red-faced and violent
Flushed (or crimson) with embarrassment
Common Curiosities
What is Scarlet?
Scarlet is a bright red color with a slight orange undertone.
Can Scarlet and Crimson be used as adjectives?
Yes, both can be used as nouns and adjectives.
What is Crimson?
Crimson is a deep, rich red color with a bluish undertone.
Where is Scarlet commonly used?
Scarlet is often used in flags, uniforms, and emblems.
What is the origin of the color Scarlet?
The color scarlet was traditionally derived from the cochineal insect.
What does Scarlet symbolize?
Scarlet often symbolizes passion, danger, or attention.
Where is Crimson commonly used?
Crimson is frequently seen in academic robes and religious garments.
Is Scarlet brighter than Crimson?
Yes, scarlet is a brighter red compared to the deeper hue of crimson.
What is the origin of the color Crimson?
Crimson was traditionally obtained from the kermes insect.
What does Crimson symbolize?
Crimson is commonly associated with royalty, nobility, and spirituality.
Can you mix colors to get Scarlet?
You can mix red and a bit of orange to approximate scarlet.
Can you mix colors to get Crimson?
Mixing red with a touch of blue can yield crimson.
Is Scarlet an RGB color?
Yes, scarlet can be represented in RGB color codes.
Are Scarlet and Crimson the same?
No, scarlet and crimson are different shades of red with distinct undertones and symbolism.
Is Crimson an RGB color?
Yes, crimson also has its RGB representation.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Communication vs. Transportation
Next Comparison
Mud vs. SludgeAuthor Spotlight
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.
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.
