scarlet
/'skɑ:lit/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Of a vivid red color with a slight orange tinge: "scarlet" describes a bright, intense red color that may have a subtle orange undertone, often compared to the color of blood, ripe cherries, tomatoes, or rubies.
Noun:
- A vivid red color with an orange tinge: "scarlet" refers to the specific hue itself, a variable shade of bright red that can lean slightly toward orange.
- Cloth or clothing of this color: Historically, "scarlet" can also refer to fabric or garments dyed this distinctive red color.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- She wore a scarlet dress to the gala.
- The scarlet leaves of the maple tree stood out against the green forest.
- Noun:
- The artist mixed red and orange to create the perfect scarlet.
- In the 16th century, scarlet was an expensive dye, often worn by nobility.
Advanced Usage
- "Scarlet with rage/embarrassment": Used to describe someone's face becoming a deep, flushed red due to a strong emotion.
- He turned scarlet with embarrassment when he realized his mistake.
- "Scarlet woman": (Archaic, often derogatory) A term historically used to refer to a woman perceived as promiscuous or adulterous.
- The novel's character was shunned as a scarlet woman.
Variants and Related Words
- Scarletly (adv., rare): In a scarlet manner.
- Scarletness (n., rare): The quality or state of being scarlet.
Synonyms
- Crimson: A deep, rich red color, often with a slight blue undertone (whereas scarlet leans toward orange).
- Vermilion: A brilliant red or scarlet pigment originally made from powdered mineral cinnabar.
- Ruby: A deep red color resembling the precious gemstone.
Idioms and Phrases
- "Scarlet letter": A symbol of shame or public disgrace. This originates from Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel , where the protagonist is forced to wear a red letter 'A' for "adulteress."
- The corruption scandal became a political scarlet letter for the party.
- "Scarlet pimpernel": Refers to a daring, elusive hero or rescuer, from the title character of Baroness Orczy's novel.
- The journalist, like a scarlet pimpernel, kept uncovering secrets while avoiding capture.
Adjective
- of a color at the end of the color spectrum (next to orange); resembling the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies
Noun
- a variable color that is vivid red but sometimes with an orange tinge