Green Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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green

[ษกriหn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

color

of the color between blue and yellow in the spectrum; colored like grass or emeralds.

Synonyms

emerald, jade, verdant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
green

Commonly used to describe the color of plants, grass, or anything associated with nature. It can also refer to someone who is inexperienced or naive.

  • The fields were a vibrant green after the rain
  • He's still green when it comes to managing the team
verdant

Describes lush, green environments like forests, gardens, or countryside areas. It has connotations of abundance and liveliness.

  • The hike took us through verdant valleys and hills
  • The garden was verdant with a variety of plants
emerald

Often used to describe a specific, rich shade of green. It is also used when referring to gemstones or luxurious settings.

  • She wore a stunning emerald dress to the gala
  • The ring was set with a large emerald at its center
jade

Used to describe a green mineral often used in jewelry and art. It also signals a specific shade of green and can imply something exotic or refined.

  • The sculpture was crafted from pure jade
  • Her eyes had a unique jade hue

Examples of usage

  • The grass is green in the park.
  • She wore a beautiful green dress.
  • The leaves turn green in the spring.
Context #2 | Noun

environment

concerned with or supporting protection of the environment as a political principle.

Synonyms

ecological, environmentally friendly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
green

In this context, 'green' is used interchangeably with 'environmentally friendly', often in informal or casual conversations.

  • She always buys green products.
environmentally friendly

This longer phrase is commonly used in marketing, consumer products, and discussions about sustainability to indicate that something does not harm the environment.

  • We only use environmentally friendly cleaning products in our home.
  • The new car model is designed to be more environmentally friendly.
ecological

This word specifically relates to the science of ecology, studying organisms and their environments. It is often used in academic or technical settings.

  • The scientists published a paper on the ecological impact of deforestation.
  • They are developing new ecological models to better understand wildlife behavior.

Examples of usage

  • She is a strong advocate for green policies.
  • The company is committed to going green by reducing waste.
Context #3 | Noun

money

paper currency.

Synonyms

cash, dough.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
green

Used when referring to money in a formal or neutral context. It is also a color.

  • He has a lot of green in his wallet.
  • Can you lend me some green to buy lunch?
cash

Commonly used in everyday conversations and transactions to refer to money in physical form. Suitable for both formal and informal settings.

  • I prefer to pay in cash.
  • Do you have any cash on you?
dough

Informal slang for money. Used in a casual or colloquial context.

  • He made a lot of dough from that business deal.
  • I need to save some dough for my vacation.

Examples of usage

  • He makes a lot of green in his business.
  • She handed over a wad of green to pay for the tickets.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Psychologists often associate green with feelings of relaxation and calmness; it's believed to reduce anxiety and promote tranquility.
  • Studies have shown that exposure to green spaces can improve mood and enhance creativity.
  • The color is often linked to growth, renewal, and stability in many psychological frameworks.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, green symbolizes fertility and prosperity; for example, it's a color of celebration in many weddings around the world.
  • Green has significant meanings in various religions; for instance, it is considered sacred in Islam and is often associated with paradise.
  • In Western cultures, green is often associated with environmental movements, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and nature.

Science

  • In nature, green is primarily produced by chlorophyll, the substance plants use to make their food from sunlight.
  • Humans perceive the color green due to wavelengths of light, between approximately 520-570 nanometers on the visible spectrum.
  • Certain species of animals, like chameleons, can change their color to green as a form of camouflage or to regulate their temperature.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and television, the color green is often used to represent various themes, from jealousy (the 'green-eyed monster') to safety (such as green traffic lights).
  • Well-known characters like the Hulk and Kermit the Frog showcase the vibrant side of green in pop culture, often highlighting strength or playfulness.
  • The color green has a significant role in gaming, often symbolizing health and vitality, represented in health bars or well-being indicators.

Origin of 'green'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'green' comes from the Old English word 'grฤ“ne', which means 'to grow' and reflects nature.
  • In many languages, the word for green is related to words that mean 'young' or 'new', showing its association with life.
  • The color's connection to nature has been emphasized since ancient times, appearing in various cultural symbols.

The word 'green' has its origins in the Old English word 'grene', which is akin to the Old High German 'gruoni' and the German 'grรผn'. The color green has long been associated with nature, growth and freshness. In various cultures, green is also connected to luck, prosperity and fertility. In the modern context, 'green' is often used to describe environmental consciousness and sustainability.


See also: evergreen, greenback, greenbacks, greenery, greenhorn, greenhouse, greenness, greens, greenstone, greensward.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,183, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.