Blue: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'blue' comes from the Old French 'bleu,' which traces back to the Latin word 'blavus,' meaning 'blue or pale.'
• In Middle English, the term was spelled as 'blewe' or 'blaw,' highlighting its varied pronunciations over time.

Cultural Significance

• In many cultures, blue represents tranquility and peace; it is often used in art and design to create a calming atmosphere.
• In Western art, blue has historically been used to depict the Virgin Mary, symbolizing purity and divinity.

Science

• The color blue has a shorter wavelength of light than red, making it one of the cooler colors in the visible spectrum.
• Certain animals, like the blue jay, have feathers that appear blue because of a phenomenon called structural coloration, not pigment.

Psychology

• Studies show that the color blue can have a calming effect on people, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
• It is often associated with feelings of sadness or melancholy, which is evident in phrases like 'feeling blue.'

Art and Literature

• Famous works like Picasso's 'Blue Period' featured shades of blue to express themes of sadness and emotional depth.
• Poets and writers frequently use blue to evoke feelings of tranquility, sadness, or longing in their works.

Positioned at #1,317, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

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