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Mauve Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mauve

[məʊv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

color

A pale purple color.

Synonyms

lavender, lilac, pale purple.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mauve

Mauve is used when describing a light purple color with a slightly grayish tone, often associated with elegance and subtlety.

  • She chose a mauve dress for the evening gala.
  • The walls of the living room were painted in a soft mauve shade.
pale purple

Pale purple is a general term used to describe light shades of purple and is useful when a more precise term isn't necessary.

  • The artist used pale purple to create a soothing background in the painting.
  • Her sweater was a lovely pale purple.
lavender

Lavender is often used to describe a light purple color with a blue undertone. It is also associated with the lavender herb known for its calming scent. Suitable in the context of describing soothing environments, flowers, or fragrances.

  • The lavender fields stretched as far as the eye could see.
  • He sprayed a bit of lavender scent in the room for relaxation.
lilac

Lilac describes a light purple color with a pinkish tone and is commonly associated with the lilac flower. It is often used in a romantic or poetic context.

  • She received a bouquet of lilac flowers for her birthday.
  • The sky turned a beautiful lilac at dusk.

Examples of usage

  • Her bedroom walls were painted in a lovely mauve color.
  • The flowers in the garden were a beautiful shade of mauve.
Context #2 | Noun

fashion

A pale purple color used in clothing and accessories.

Synonyms

lavender, lilac, pale purple.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mauve

Describing something in a pale purple shade that borders on pink.

  • She wore a beautiful mauve dress to the party.
  • The artist chose a mauve background for the portrait to add a touch of softness.
pale purple

A general term for any light or pastel shade of purple. It is more neutral and less specific than the other words.

  • The artist painted the sky in various shades of pale purple.
  • She chose pale purple curtains to brighten up her room.
lavender

Often used when referring to the flower or a soft, calming purple color. Has a soothing connotation.

  • The room was painted in a calming shade of lavender.
  • She loves the scent of fresh lavender in her garden.
lilac

Typically used to describe a light purple color, especially when referring to the flower or a delicate hue.

  • Her lilac blouse matched perfectly with her white skirt.
  • The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming lilac bushes.

Examples of usage

  • She wore a stunning mauve dress to the party.
  • The fashion designer's new collection featured a lot of mauve pieces.
Context #3 | Adjective

descriptive

Having a pale purple color.

Synonyms

lavender, lilac, pale purple.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mauve

Mauve is typically used to describe a pale purple color with a bluish tint. It is commonly used in fashion, interior design, and art to denote a sophisticated or vintage look.

  • She chose a mauve dress for the evening gala.
  • The living room was decorated with mauve curtains and matching accessories.
pale purple

Pale purple is a general term to describe a light shade of purple. It is often used when a person wants to specify that something is neither dark nor vibrant purple but rather a soft and diluted version.

  • His room was painted a pale purple, giving it a relaxed atmosphere.
  • She preferred pale purple over brighter shades for her artwork.
lavender

Lavender is often used to refer to a light purple color, similar to the hues of the lavender flower. It is frequently associated with the plant itself, implying a calming, soothing atmosphere and is popular in aromatherapy as well.

  • The lavender walls gave the room a calm, serene feel.
  • He used lavender essential oil to help relax before bed.
lilac

Lilac is used to denote a soft purple color, reminiscent of the lilac flower. This word is often used in contexts such as nature, gardening, and descriptions of floral arrangements. It can also suggest a gentle, romantic appearance.

  • The garden was filled with the scent and color of blooming lilacs.
  • She wore a lilac blouse that complemented her cheerful disposition.

Examples of usage

  • The sunset painted the sky in a beautiful mauve hue.
  • The bedroom curtains were a soft mauve color.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Art and Design

  • Mauve became a popular color in the late 19th century, influencing fashion and textiles in Europe and America.
  • Artists like Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh used mauve in their paintings to create softer, dream-like scenes.

Psychology

  • Mauve is often associated with feelings of calmness and gentleness, making it a popular choice for bedrooms and nurseries.
  • This color is believed to promote tranquility and reduce stress, just like a gentle sunset.

Fashion

  • Mauve has seen resurgences in fashion trends, especially during the 1980s and early 2000s, symbolizing elegance and sophistication.
  • Many designers incorporate mauve into their collections to provide a modern and stylish twist on classic looks.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, mauve is linked to nostalgia and quiet reflection, often used in ceremonies or events that honor memories.
  • It’s a color frequently seen in traditional weddings, symbolizing romance and tenderness in floral arrangements.

Origin of 'mauve'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'mauve' comes from the French word for the mallow flower, which is known for its light purple color.
  • It first appeared in the English language in the 19th century, following the invention of synthetic dyes that made the color easier to produce.

The word 'mauve' comes from the French word 'mauve', which means mallow flower. The color mauve was named after the mallow flower due to its pale purple hue. Mauve became a popular color in the 19th century, especially in fashion and interior design. It was considered a delicate and elegant color, often associated with femininity and romance.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,104, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.