Blonde Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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blonde

[blษ’nd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

person

A person with fair or pale yellow hair.

Synonyms

fair-haired, light-haired.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
blonde

Use 'blonde' when describing a woman or a girl with light-colored hair. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and has no negative connotation.

  • She is a beautiful blonde with sparkling blue eyes.
  • The blonde actress won several awards for her performance.

Examples of usage

  • She is a natural blonde.
  • He dyed his hair blonde for the summer.
Context #2 | Adjective

hair

Of a pale yellow or gold color.

Synonyms

fair, light.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
blonde

Used to describe someone, typically a woman, with light yellowish hair. This term is often used in casual or descriptive contexts and can sometimes carry stereotypes, so it's best used neutrally.

  • She has beautiful blonde hair that shines in the sunlight.
  • The actress is known for her iconic blonde locks.
fair

Generally used to describe light skin tones, but can occasionally be used for light hair. This term is more neutral and is often used in more formal or descriptive language.

  • She has fair skin that needs protection from the sun.
  • His fair hair made him stand out in the crowd.
light

Utilized more generally to describe a pale or less intense color, whether it be hair, skin, or other objects. This word is very neutral and can be used in various contexts.

  • He has light hair, almost like the color of straw.
  • The room was painted in light colors to make it feel more open.

Examples of usage

  • She has blonde hair.
  • The blonde girl stood out in the crowd.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Blonde hair has often been idealized in various cultures, sometimes symbolizing beauty or youth.
  • The stereotype of 'dumb blonde' has been challenged and critiqued, becoming a part of discussions on gender and perception.
  • Historical figures like Marilyn Monroe popularized the blonde image in Hollywood, influencing fashion and beauty trends for decades.

Science

  • Genetics play a crucial role in determining hair color; the blond variation results from a mutation in the MC1R gene.
  • Blonde hair is more common in Northern European countries due to evolutionary adaptations to lower sunlight exposure.
  • Melanin is responsible for hair color, and blonde hair has lower levels of eumelanin compared to darker colors.

Psychology

  • Studies show that people often have biases regarding hair color, affecting first impressions and social interactions.
  • Blonde individuals are sometimes perceived as more approachable or friendly, according to psychological research.
  • Hair color can influence how individuals are treated in various social contexts, reinforcing stereotypes.

Pop Culture

  • Iconic characters like Elle Woods from 'Legally Blonde' challenge stereotypes associated with the hair color.
  • Songs and movies often celebrate blonde hair, with themes around beauty and style, influencing trends in music and media.
  • Blonde hair has been a popular choice in fashion, often seen on models and celebrities during fashion weeks worldwide.

Origin of 'blonde'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'blonde' comes from the Old French 'blond', meaning 'fair' or 'yellow'.
  • Originally, 'blonde' referred specifically to women, while 'blond' referred to men, though this distinction is less common today.
  • In many languages, a similar term for light hair is used, showing a shared cultural appreciation for this hair color.

The word 'blonde' originated from the French word 'blond', which means 'light-colored'. It was first used in the English language in the mid-15th century to describe someone with fair or pale yellow hair. Over time, the term has evolved to include both the noun form to describe a person with such hair color and the adjective form to describe the color itself.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,265, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.