Reddish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reddish

[ˈrɛdɪʃ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

color

Slightly red in color, tinged with red.

Synonyms

red, rosy, rusty.

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Word Description / Examples
reddish

Used to describe something that has a slight or partial red color, often when the red is mixed with another color.

  • Her hair has a reddish tint.
  • The leaves are turning a reddish-brown color in the fall.
red

Used to describe something that is fully or mostly the color red. It is a basic color term in English.

  • She wore a stunning red dress.
  • The red car speeds down the road.
rosy

Used to describe a pinkish-red color, often used to describe a healthy or happy appearance, like that of a person's cheeks. It has a positive connotation.

  • She has rosy cheeks after her workout.
  • The sunset painted the sky with rosy hues.
rusty

Used to describe a reddish-brown color often associated with oxidized metal. It can also imply something is old or not in good condition and has a negative connotation.

  • The old bicycle was covered in rusty spots.
  • His skills were rusty after not practicing for years.

Examples of usage

  • The sky turned reddish as the sun began to set.
  • She dyed her hair a reddish shade of brown.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Art

  • Reddish shades are often used in painting to convey warmth, passion, or energy, making them popular in landscapes and portraits.
  • Artists may layer colors to create a reddish hue, blending pigments to achieve desired effects and emotional resonance.
  • The color is frequently used in autumn-themed artworks, reflecting the changing leaves and evoking feelings of nostalgia.

Psychology

  • Colors like reddish hues can influence emotions, often associated with excitement, warmth, or even aggression.
  • Studies show that warmer colors can stimulate appetite, which is why many restaurants use reddish tones in their interiors.
  • The association of reddish colors with love and passion can be traced back to cultural symbols like roses and hearts.

Nature

  • Many animals, such as foxes or certain birds, have reddish fur or feathers, providing camouflage in certain environments.
  • Reddish colors in nature can warn predators that an animal is poisonous or has a strong taste.
  • Certain plants, like red maple trees, display reddish foliage that attracts pollinators and indicates health in the ecosystem.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, red and its shades symbolize good fortune, happiness, and celebrations, as seen in festivals like Chinese New Year.
  • Reddish colors are often associated with power and authority, evident in traditional royal and religious vestments.
  • Some ancient civilizations used reddish pigments in their art and rituals, indicating the color's long-standing importance in human expression.

Origin of 'reddish'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'reddish' comes from the Old English 'read,' which means red, combined with the suffix '-ish' that implies a quality or characteristic.
  • Similar formations exist in other languages, reflecting the common practice of using '-ish' to describe colors that are not pure.
  • The suffix '-ish' has been used in English since at least the 14th century to describe similarities or partial qualities.

The word 'reddish' originated from the Middle English word 'redisch', which is a combination of the word 'red' and the suffix '-ish' meaning 'having the color of'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century to describe something that is slightly red in color.


See also: red, redact, redden, reddening, redfish, redneck, redness, redolent.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,280 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.