Blush: meaning, definitions and examples

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blush

[blʌʃ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

intransitive

To become red in the face, especially from modesty, embarrassment, or shame.

Synonyms

crimson, flush, redden.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
blush	This word is often used to describe a light red or pink color on someone's face, typically due to feelings of embarrassment, shyness, or even slight happiness. She didn't know what to say, so she just looked down and blushed. He made her blush with his compliment.
flush	Flush can describe a face that becomes red due to sudden emotions such as excitement or exertion. It is also used to indicate a rich supply of something. His face flushed with excitement when he heard the news. She felt a rush of blood and a warm flush creeping up her cheeks.
redden	Redden means to turn red or become red. It is often used in contexts where something physically changes color, either due to emotion or temperature. His cheeks reddened in embarrassment. The leaves begin to redden in the fall.
crimson	Crimson refers to a deep, rich red color. It can describe someone’s face but is more often used to describe the color itself, usually in literary or poetic contexts. The sky turned a beautiful crimson as the sun set. Her face was crimson with anger.

Examples of usage

She blushed when he complimented her beauty.
I could feel myself blushing as all eyes turned towards me.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

countable

A reddening of the face, typically from embarrassment or shame.

Synonyms

color, flush, glow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
blush	Used in the same manner as the previous 'blush,' emphasizing the physical reaction of turning red. Her face started to blush when she answered the question When he looked at her, she couldn't help but blush
flush	Often describes a sudden reddening of the face or skin, usually due to strong emotions like anger, excitement, or exertion. It can have a slightly negative connotation. He flushed with anger when he was accused wrongly She felt her face flush with excitement as she accepted the award
color	This is a more general term and can refer to changes in facial color from various emotions such as anger, embarrassment, or excitement. His face colored with excitement at the news She tried not to let her face color when she heard the joke
glow	Usually refers to a warm, healthy redness or brightness in someone's face, often due to happiness or good health. It has a positive connotation. Her face had a healthy glow after the walk He was glowing with happiness on his wedding day

Examples of usage

Her face turned a deep shade of blush.
She tried to hide her blush with a smile.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'blush' comes from the Old English 'blēosian,' which means 'to glow' or 'to become red.'
In Middle English, it was spelled 'bluschen,' showing that the word has evolved but kept its meaning related to color change.
Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word 'blusōną', highlighting its long-standing presence in language.

Psychology

Blushing is often a physiological response to embarrassment, revealing vulnerability and social awareness.
Some studies suggest that people who blush may be perceived as more trustworthy and approachable by others.
Blushing can also occur with feelings of excitement or happy surprises, showcasing a wide range of emotions.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, blushing is associated with innocence and shyness, making it a charming trait in social interactions.
In Japan, the act of blushing is often romantically depicted in anime and manga, highlighting emotion and character depth.
Historical literature portrays blushing as a sign of virtue, often seen in classic romances to indicate emotional sincerity.

Medical Aspects

Blushing is caused by the dilation of blood vessels near the surface of the skin, increased by feelings of embarrassment or excitement.
Conditions like rosacea can cause excessive blushing; it's important to differentiate between normal and exaggerated responses.
Some individuals experience 'idiopathic craniofacial erythema', an uncommon condition where blushing is triggered even without embarrassment.

Literature

Blush has been used as a metaphor in poetry, symbolizing love, relationships, and the complexity of human emotion.
In Shakespeare’s plays, the word describes both the physical reaction of characters and deeper emotional truths.
Contemporary fiction often uses blushing to illustrate character dynamics and development, making it a popular literary device.

Translations

Translations of the word "blush" in other languages:

🇵🇹 corar

ruborizar
enrubescer

🇮🇳 लज्जा से लाल होना

शर्माना
गुलाबी होना

🇩🇪 erröten

rot werden
schamhaft erröten

🇮🇩 memerah

tersipu-sipu
bersemu merah

🇺🇦 червоніти

засоромитися
рум’яніти

🇵🇱 rumienić się

czerwienić się
zawstydzać się

🇯🇵 赤面する (sekimen suru)

🇫🇷 rougir

se farder
avoir des rougeurs

🇪🇸 sonrojarse

ruborizarse
enrojecer

🇹🇷 kızarmak

utanmak
mahcup olmak

🇰🇷 얼굴을 붉히다 (eolgul-eul bulkhida)

🇸🇦 يحمّر خجلاً (yahmar khajalan)

🇨🇿 zčervenat

červenat se
stydět se

🇸🇰 červenať sa

začervenať sa
hanbiť sa

🇨🇳 脸红 (liǎn hóng)

🇸🇮 zardevati

pordeti
sramovati se

🇮🇸 roðna

🇰🇿 ұялу

🇬🇪 სირცხვილით გაწითლება (sirtskhvilit gats'itleba)

🇦🇿 qızarmaq

utanmaq
qızartı olmaq

🇲🇽 sonrojarse

ruborizarse
enrojecer

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,278, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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11275 approximated
11276 polarity
11277 repository
11278 blush
11279 scroll
11280 whisky
11281 speculate
...