Red vs. Scarlet: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Red is a primary color, while scarlet is a bright, slightly orange shade of red.
Key Differences
Red is one of the primary colors, visible in the rainbow, while scarlet is a specific hue of red, noted for its brightness and a slight tilt towards orange.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
In art and design, red is used as a base color, but scarlet is often used for its vibrancy and attention-grabbing quality.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Red is a symbol of a wide range of emotions from love to anger, whereas scarlet often represents passion, courage, or sometimes sin and immorality.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
The use of red is more versatile in various contexts, while scarlet is often chosen for its distinct and bold impact.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
In nature, red appears in many shades from berries to sunsets, but scarlet is specific, seen in flowers like poppies or certain birds.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Symbolism
Represents a range of emotions.
Often symbolizes passion or courage.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Frequency in Nature
Common in various shades.
Less common, more specific in occurrence.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Cultural Connotations
Broad and varied.
Often associated with specific themes like passion or warning.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Red and Scarlet Definitions
Red
The hue of the long-wavelength end of the visible spectrum, evoked in the human observer by radiant energy with wavelengths of approximately 630 to 750 nanometers; any of a group of colors that may vary in lightness and saturation and whose hue resembles that of blood; one of the additive or light primaries; one of the psychological primary hues.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Scarlet
Often used to describe vivid, striking red in nature.
The scarlet macaw's feathers were brilliantly colored.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Scarlet
Associated with sin or immorality in historical contexts.
The novel's protagonist wore a scarlet letter as a symbol of her sin.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Red
The condition of being in debt or operating at a loss
The firm has been in the red all year.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Red
Reddish in color or having parts that are reddish in color
A red dog.
A red oak.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Scarlet
A deep bright red tinged with orange or yellow, - of many tints and shades; a vivid or bright red color.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Scarlet
Cloth of a scarlet color.
All her household are clothed with scarlet.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Red
(of hair) Having an orange-brown or orange-blond colour; ginger.
Her hair had red highlights.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Scarlet
To dye or tinge with scarlet.
The ashy paleness of my cheekIs scarleted in ruddy flakes of wrath.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Red
Of the hearts or diamonds suits. Compare of the spades or clubs suits
I got two red queens, and he got one of the black queens.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Scarlet
A variable color that is vivid red but sometimes with an orange tinge
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Red
Supportive of, related to, or dominated by a political party or movement represented by the color red:
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Scarlet
Having any of numerous bright or strong colors reminiscent of the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Red
Left-wing parties and movements, chiefly socialist or communist, including the U.K. Labour party and the Social Democratic Party of Germany.
The red-black grand coalition in Germany
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Scarlet
A bright red color with a slight orange tint.
The scarlet leaves in autumn created a stunning view.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Scarlet
A color often associated with regal or ceremonial attire.
The guards wore scarlet uniforms during the royal procession.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Scarlet
Symbolizing warning or urgency.
The scarlet alert was issued for the approaching storm.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Red
(astronomy) Of the lower-frequency region of the (typically visible) part of the electromagnetic spectrum which is relevant in the specific observation.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Red
Any of a range of colours having the longest wavelengths, 670 nm, of the visible spectrum; a primary additive colour for transmitted light: the colour obtained by subtracting green and blue from white light using magenta and yellow filters; the colour of blood, ripe strawberries, etc.
Red can be seen as hot or angry.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Red
(countable) A revolutionary socialist or (most commonly) a Communist; usually capitalized a Bolshevik, a supporter of the Bolsheviks in the Russian Civil War.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Red
One of the 15 red balls used in snooker, distinguished from the colours.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Red
(countable) Any of several varieties of ale which are brewed with red or kilned malt, giving the beer a red colour.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Red
(informal) The redfish or red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus, a fish with reddish fins and scales.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Red
To put on order; to make tidy; also, to free from entanglement or embarrassement; - generally with up; as, to red up a house.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Red
Of the color of blood, or of a tint resembling that color; of the hue of that part of the rainbow, or of the solar spectrum, which is furthest from the violet part.
Your color, I warrant you, is as red as any rose.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Red
The color of blood, or of that part of the spectrum farthest from violet, or a tint resembling these.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Red
The quality or state of the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Red
A tributary of the Mississippi River that flows eastward from Texas along the southern boundary of Oklahoma and through Louisiana
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Red
Emotionally charged terms used to refer to extreme radicals or revolutionaries
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Red
The amount by which the cost of a business exceeds its revenue;
The company operated at a loss last year
The company operated in the red last year
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Red
Having any of numerous bright or strong colors reminiscent of the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Red
Characterized by violence or bloodshed;
Writes of crimson deeds and barbaric days
Fann'd by Conquest's crimson wing
Convulsed with red rage
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Red
(especially of the face) reddened or suffused with or as if with blood from emotion or exertion;
Crimson with fury
Turned red from exertion
With puffy reddened eyes
Red-faced and violent
Flushed (or crimson) with embarrassment
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Red
Red with or characterized by blood;
Waving our red weapons o'er our heads
The Red Badge of Courage
The red rules of tooth and claw
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Red
A primary color at the lower wavelengths of light.
The red apple looked ripe and delicious.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Red
Symbolizing passion, danger, or love.
Her dress was a bold red, turning heads at the party.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Red
A political designation for leftist or socialist groups.
The red party won the election by a significant margin.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Red
Indicative of financial deficit in accounting.
The company's accounts were deep in the red this quarter.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Red
A signal of stop or danger, as in traffic lights.
The car stopped as the traffic light turned red.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What spectrum does red fall in?
Red falls in the lower wavelengths of the visible spectrum.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Is scarlet typically brighter than red?
Yes, scarlet is often a brighter and more vivid hue than standard red.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Does red have political connotations?
Yes, red can represent political ideologies, especially socialism or communism.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Is scarlet used in warning signs?
Yes, scarlet is sometimes used in warning signs due to its high visibility.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Is scarlet considered a primary color?
No, scarlet is not a primary color; it's a shade of red.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Can red symbolize different emotions?
Yes, red can symbolize various emotions from love to anger.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
How is red used in traffic signals?
Red is used in traffic signals to denote stop or danger.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Is scarlet a common bird color?
Scarlet is seen in certain birds like the scarlet macaw, but it's not common.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
What does scarlet symbolize in literature?
In literature, scarlet often symbolizes sin, passion, or a warning.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Does red have different meanings in different cultures?
Yes, red's symbolism varies widely across different cultures.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Is red common in nature?
Yes, red is a common color in nature, found in various elements.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Do artists use red frequently?
Yes, red is a popular color in art for its emotional impact.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Does scarlet have historical significance?
Yes, scarlet has historical associations with sin and immorality.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
How is scarlet viewed in fashion?
Scarlet is often seen as a bold, attention-grabbing color in fashion.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Is scarlet a color of urgency?
Scarlet can denote urgency or emergency due to its visibility.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Are there different shades of red?
Yes, there are many shades of red, including maroon, crimson, and scarlet.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
How is scarlet used in nature descriptions?
Scarlet is used to describe vibrant, striking red elements in nature.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Can red indicate a financial deficit?
Yes, being "in the red" means being in a financial deficit.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Can scarlet be associated with royalty?
Yes, scarlet has been associated with royal or ceremonial attire historically.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
