Blue

Definition

Blue is a noun, adjective, and occasionally a verb. As a noun, it refers to the color between green and violet in the visible spectrum. As an adjective, it describes something that has the color blue or conveys sadness or melancholy. As a verb, it can mean to make or become blue.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /bluː/
• Respelling: bloo

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /bluː/
• Respelling: bloo

Etymology

The word "blue" comes from the Old French "bleu," meaning "blue" or "pale," which itself derived from the Proto-Germanic "*blaewaz." The term entered Middle English as "blewe" and evolved into "blue" in Modern English, maintaining its connection to the color and, over time, also connoting sadness or melancholy.

Derivatives

• Blueish (adjective)
• Blues (noun, referring to the musical genre or sadness)
• Blueing (noun)
• Bluebell (noun)
• Blueprint (noun)

Synonyms

• Azure
• Cobalt
• Navy

Antonyms

• Red
• Yellow
• Orange

Usage

The term "blue" is used to refer to the color as well as to describe feelings of sadness or melancholy. For example, "The sky was a bright blue," or "She felt blue after hearing the news."

Related Terms

• Azure: A light shade of blue, often used to describe the sky.
• Cyan: A greenish-blue color used in printing.
• Blues: A genre of music typically expressing sadness or melancholy.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A color between green and violet in the visible spectrum: Refers to the color of the sky and sea, commonly associated with calmness and stability.
  • Example: "Her favorite color is blue."
• A feeling of sadness or melancholy (informal): Used to describe emotions associated with sadness or depression.
  • Example: "He was feeling a bit of the blues after the holiday."

Adjective

• Having the color blue: Describes an object or surface that appears blue in color.
  • Example: "The car is painted a deep blue."
• Feeling sad or downhearted (informal): Refers to a mood or emotional state associated with melancholy.
  • Example: "She was feeling blue after hearing the news."

Verb

• To make or become blue: Although rare, this form can be used to describe the process of turning something blue.
  • Example: "The fabric blued after being dyed."