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Vermilion Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vermilion

[vəˈmɪliən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

color

A vivid red to reddish-orange color.

Synonyms

crimson, red, ruby, scarlet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vermilion

Vermilion is a bright red pigment with a slight orange tone. It's often used in art and design when a vivid, eye-catching red is needed.

  • The artist used vermilion to make the sunset in her painting more striking
  • The vermilion flowers stood out against the green foliage
red

Red is a primary color that ranges from warm yellows to cooler blues. It is very versatile and can be used in many contexts, from fashion to emotions like anger and love.

  • She painted her nails red for the party
  • The red warning signs were impossible to ignore
scarlet

Scarlet is a bright red color with a hint of orange. It is often associated with passion, danger, or sin and can have a slightly negative connotation.

  • She wore a scarlet dress that caught everyone's eye
  • The scarlet letter was a mark of shame in the novel
crimson

Crimson is a deep, slightly purplish red color. It is often associated with richness and intensity and is frequently used in literature and descriptions of nature.

  • The crimson leaves signaled the arrival of autumn
  • She wore a beautiful crimson gown to the gala
ruby

Ruby is a deep red gemstone. In descriptions, it often conveys luxury, beauty, and high value. It can be used metaphorically to describe the richness of color similar to the gemstone.

  • He gifted her a necklace with a ruby pendant
  • The wine had a deep ruby color

Examples of usage

  • The vermilion of the sunset was breathtaking.
  • She painted her front door in a vibrant vermilion color.
Context #2 | Noun

art

A bright red pigment made from mercury sulfide, used in traditional Chinese and Indian painting.

Synonyms

cinnabar, vermilion red.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vermilion

Used in artistic and descriptive contexts, especially when referring to a bright red or reddish-orange color. This word is often chosen in literature, poetry, and conversations about art.

  • The artist painted the sunset in hues of vermilion and gold.
  • Her lips were a striking vermilion, standing out against her pale skin.
cinnabar

Typically used in scientific or historical contexts to describe the mineral cinnabar, which is the primary ore of mercury and has a distinct red color. It might also be used in art to describe a specific shade of red.

  • Cinnabar was used by ancient civilizations for its vibrant color in paintings and pottery.
  • The cinnabar pigment gave the artwork a rich, almost mystical red hue.

Examples of usage

  • The artist used vermilion to create striking contrasts in the painting.
  • The vermilion pigment added depth and richness to the artwork.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Art & Culture

  • Vermilion has been used historically by artists like Van Gogh and Gauguin for its striking impact in their paintings.
  • In ancient Chinese culture, vermilion was a favored pigment for decorations and scriptures, symbolizing luck and happiness.
  • The vibrant color is often associated with red in many cultures, representing joy, good fortune, and celebration.

Science

  • The pigment vermilion is chemically known as mercury sulfide, making it toxic when not handled properly.
  • Due to its brightness, vermilion can fade over time when exposed to light, so artists need to consider its longevity.
  • In nature, some species of animals have a shade of vermilion in their features, which can play a role in mating displays.

Literature

  • Vermilion is often used in poetry and literature to signify passion or powerful emotions, enhancing imagery.
  • Some famous literary works reference the color to evoke feelings of warmth and intensity.
  • In many cultures, vermilion symbolizes love and loyalty, appearing in traditional wedding attire and ceremonies.

Fashion

  • Vermilion is a popular color in fashion, often seen in bold clothing and accessories for a striking look.
  • It can be a symbol of confidence, with people wearing it to make a statement at social gatherings.
  • Many designers use vermilion in seasonal collections to evoke energy and enthusiasm.

Origin of 'vermilion'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'vermilion' comes from the Latin 'vermiculus,' which means 'little worm,' referring to a red dye made from crushed insects.
  • In Middle English, it was called 'vermilion,' primarily used to describe a vivid red pigment used in art.
  • The word has connections to various languages, like 'cinnabar,' which is the name of a mineral also used to create the color.

The word 'vermilion' originated from the Old French word 'vermeillon', which in turn came from the Latin word 'cinnabaris'. Cinnabar, the mineral from which vermilion pigment was traditionally made, has been used since ancient times. The vivid red color of vermilion has been prized in various cultures for its beauty and symbolism. In art, vermilion has been used for centuries as a valuable pigment for paintings and manuscripts.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,553, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.