Violet: meaning, definitions and examples

Used for a deeper, rich shade of blue-purple; common in nature, particularly in flowers. Often employed in artistic and poetic contexts.

• The artist chose a vivid violet for the evening sky
• The garden was full of delicate violet flowers

A broad term for a range of shades between red and blue; versatile and common in both formal and casual contexts. It can signify royalty, luxury, or creativity.

• He always wears a purple tie to important meetings
• The logo was designed in a rich purple hue to stand out

Refers to a light purple color with a hint of pink; associated with the lilac flower. Often used in the context of spring, floral arrangements, and gentle aesthetics.

• The bridesmaids wore dresses in a lovely shade of lilac
• The lilac bushes were in full bloom

Describes a lighter, pastel shade of purple; commonly associated with the lavender plant and its calming properties. Suitable for describing calming atmospheres or scents.

• She painted her bedroom walls a soothing lavender
• The air was filled with the soft scent of lavender

A pale, grayish-purple color; considered slightly old-fashioned but sophisticated. Suitable for fashion, interior design, and certain vintage aesthetics.

• She opted for a mauve dress for the evening gala
• The vintage wallpaper had a subtle mauve pattern

Violet is often used to describe the color itself, a light purple shade, or the small flowering plants from the genus Viola.

• She wore a beautiful violet dress
• The garden was full of violets

Pansy refers to a type of garden flower that belongs to the Viola genus. This term can also be used pejoratively to describe someone as weak or effeminate.

• We planted pansies along the walkway
• He was unfairly called a pansy for not liking sports

Periwinkle can describe both a type of low-growing evergreen plant with small blue flowers and a soft blue color.

• The periwinkle in the garden spread rapidly
• She chose a periwinkle shade for the baby's room

Iris is typically used when talking about the colorful flowering plants of the Iris genus, or the colored part of the eye.

• The garden's irises bloomed beautifully in the spring
• His blue iris shone in the sunlight