Mauve Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/məʊv/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun, adjective

Definition

A pale purplish-pink color; a soft, delicate flower of this color.

Examples

• The mauve shirt was a lovely summer outfit.
• The mauve flowers added a touch of elegance to the wedding bouquet.

Synonyms

• Purple
• Lavender
• Pink

Antonyms

• Green
• Blue

Additional Information

Mauve is a color that has a rich history, originating in the 18th century in France. It was originally derived from the root of the madder plant and was used as a dye. Today, mauve is a popular color in fashion, art, and design, often used to evoke a sense of elegance and sophistication. The mauve flower, also known as the silene dioica, is a delicate and charming bloom that is often used in floral arrangements and as a symbol of love and gratitude.

Etymology

The word “mauve” comes from the French word “mauve”, which is derived from the Latin “malva”, meaning “mallow”. The color mauve was originally made by dyeing wool with the root of the madder plant, which was abundant in the Mediterranean region.

Usage Notes

The word “mauve” can be used as both a noun and an adjective. As a noun, it refers to a type of flower, while as an adjective, it describes a color. When using the word to describe a color, it is often used to describe a soft, delicate shade that is a combination of pink and purple.

Cultural References

Mauve has been a popular color in art and design for centuries, and has been used in various forms of creative expression, including literature, music, and film. The color mauve has also been associated with various cultural and symbolic meanings, such as elegance, sophistication, and love.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Born to the mauve – to be naturally elegant and sophisticated

Related Words or Phrases

• Pink
• Purple
• Lavender

Collocations

• Mauve dress
• Mauve flowers
• Mauve paint

Frequency of Use

Mauve is a relatively rare color in modern language, but it is often used in certain contexts, such as in fashion, art, and design, to evoke a sense of elegance and sophistication.

Common Misspellings

• Mowe
• Mever
• Mavre