Pansy: meaning, definitions and examples

Used generally to refer to a garden flower with large, colorful petals, and sometimes used negatively to describe a person as weak or effeminate.

• She planted a variety of pansies in her garden.
• Stop being such a pansy and take the risk.

Used botanically to refer to the whole genus including pansies and wild pansies; also used in a more formal or scientific context.

• The viola genus includes both wild and cultivated varieties.
• Viola flowers can be found in many colors and patterns.

Often used in literature or poetic contexts to refer to the wild variety of pansy and symbolize peace or tranquility.

• The heartsease bloomed in the meadow, soothing the travelers' hearts.
• Her presence was like heartsease, bringing calm to all around.

Colloquial term mostly used in North America to refer to smaller, wild varieties of pansies.

• The garden was speckled with cheerful Johnny-jump-ups.
• Johnny-jump-ups add a playful touch to any landscape.