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Blush Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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blush

[blสŒสƒ ]

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?

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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 someoneโ€™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?

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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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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 Shakespeareโ€™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.

Origin of 'blush'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'blush' comes from the Old English 'blฤ“osian,' 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 'blusลnฤ…', highlighting its long-standing presence in language.

The word 'blush' originated from Middle English 'blusshen', which came from Old English 'blyscan' meaning 'to redden'. The sense of 'blushing' as we know it today dates back to the 16th century. Blushing has long been associated with modesty, embarrassment, or shame in various cultures.

See also: blushed, blushing.

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.