Maroon vs. Red
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 28, 2023
Maroon is a dark, brownish-red color, while red is a primary color representing the longest wavelengths perceivable by the human eye.
Key Differences
Maroon and red are both colors found in the color spectrum, but they are distinguished mainly by their tone and shade. Maroon is a dark, brownish-red color, typically associated with richness and depth. It is often seen as a more muted and less vibrant shade compared to red. The name "maroon" is derived from the French word "marron," which means chestnut, a reflection of the color’s brownish hue.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
In terms of application and perception, maroon is seen as a more subdued and elegant shade, ideal for formal and composed settings, and it often implies a sense of tradition and respectability. Red, with its high visibility and vibrancy, is used to attract attention and signify importance or urgency. It is a versatile color with different shades and tones representing various moods and meanings, from the softness of pink to the richness of burgundy.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
When observing these colors in nature or art, maroon tends to evoke a sense of sophistication and reserved elegance due to its depth and richness. It's a color that is often used in formal attire, academic robes, or corporate logos, signaling professionalism and seriousness. Red, however, being bright and eye-catching, is frequently employed to grab attention and evoke emotions. It is a color commonly used in stop signs, branding, and festive decorations, symbolizing excitement and passion.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
On the other hand, red is a primary color that is at the extreme end of the visible light spectrum. It is bold, vibrant, and attention-grabbing, often associated with strong emotions like love and anger. The term "red" is derived from the Old English word "rēad." Red is seen as a more generalized color term compared to maroon, which represents a specific shade of red.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Associations
Elegance, seriousness, tradition
Passion, excitement, importance
Samantha Walker
Sep 28, 2023
Maroon and Red Definitions
Maroon
A color resembling the shade of chestnuts.
She wore a maroon dress to the formal event.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
Red
A primary color at the end of the visible spectrum.
The red apple looked juicy and delicious.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Maroon
A shade associated with formality and tradition.
The university's colors are maroon and white.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
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Red
A bold, attention-grabbing hue.
The red sign caught the attention of all passersby.
Samantha Walker
Sep 28, 2023
Maroon
A dark, brownish-red color.
The maroon curtains added a touch of elegance to the room.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
Red
A versatile color with various shades representing different moods.
The soft red of the sunset created a calming atmosphere.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
Maroon
To put ashore on a deserted island or coast and intentionally abandon.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 12, 2022
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.
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Dec 12, 2022
Maroon
To abandon or isolate with little hope of ready rescue or escape
The travelers were marooned by the blizzard.
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Dec 12, 2022
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Red
The condition of being in debt or operating at a loss
The firm has been in the red all year.
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Dec 12, 2022
Maroon
An escaped negro of the Caribbean and the Americas or a descendant of such a person.
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Dec 12, 2022
Red
Reddish in color or having parts that are reddish in color
A red dog.
A red oak.
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Dec 12, 2022
Maroon
(nautical) A rocket-propelled firework or skyrocket, often one used as a signal (e.g. to summon the crew of a lifeboat or warn of an air raid).
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Dec 12, 2022
Maroon
In the West Indies and Guiana, a fugitive slave, or a free negro, living in the mountains.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 12, 2022
Red
(of hair) Having an orange-brown or orange-blond colour; ginger.
Her hair had red highlights.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 12, 2022
Maroon
A brownish or dull red of any description, esp. of a scarlet cast rather than approaching crimson or purple.
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Dec 12, 2022
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.
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Dec 12, 2022
Maroon
To put (a person) ashore on a desolate island or coast and leave him to his fate.
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Dec 12, 2022
Red
Supportive of, related to, or dominated by a political party or movement represented by the color red:
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Dec 12, 2022
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
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 12, 2022
Maroon
A person who is stranded (as on an island);
When the tide came in I was a maroon out there
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Dec 12, 2022
Red
(astronomy) Of the lower-frequency region of the (typically visible) part of the electromagnetic spectrum which is relevant in the specific observation.
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Dec 12, 2022
Maroon
Leave stranded or isolated withe little hope og rescue;
The travellers were marooned
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Dec 12, 2022
Maroon
Leave stranded on a desert island without resources;
The mutinous sailors were marooned on an island
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Dec 12, 2022
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.
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Dec 12, 2022
Red
(countable) A revolutionary socialist or (most commonly) a Communist; usually capitalized a Bolshevik, a supporter of the Bolsheviks in the Russian Civil War.
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Dec 12, 2022
Maroon
A color representing richness and depth.
The maroon upholstery seemed sophisticated and refined.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Maroon
A muted and reserved shade of red.
The maroon carpet created a cozy and warm atmosphere.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
Red
(countable) Any of several varieties of ale which are brewed with red or kilned malt, giving the beer a red colour.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 12, 2022
Red
(informal) The redfish or red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus, a fish with reddish fins and scales.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 12, 2022
Red
To put on order; to make tidy; also, to free from entanglement or embarrassement; - generally with up; as, to red up a house.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 12, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 12, 2022
Red
The color of blood, or of that part of the spectrum farthest from violet, or a tint resembling these.
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Dec 12, 2022
Red
A tributary of the Mississippi River that flows eastward from Texas along the southern boundary of Oklahoma and through Louisiana
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Dec 12, 2022
Red
Emotionally charged terms used to refer to extreme radicals or revolutionaries
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Dec 12, 2022
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
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Dec 12, 2022
Red
Having any of numerous bright or strong colors reminiscent of the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies
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Dec 12, 2022
Red
Characterized by violence or bloodshed;
Writes of crimson deeds and barbaric days
Fann'd by Conquest's crimson wing
Convulsed with red rage
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Dec 12, 2022
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
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Dec 12, 2022
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
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Dec 12, 2022
Red
A color symbolizing passion and excitement.
She painted her nails red to match her vibrant personality.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Red
A color often associated with love and anger.
He gave her a red rose as a symbol of his love.
Samantha Walker
Sep 28, 2023
FAQs
Does maroon have a brownish tone?
Yes, maroon is characterized by its brownish undertone.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Is maroon more formal than red?
Maroon is often perceived as more formal and sophisticated compared to the vibrant and attention-grabbing red.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Can red symbolize both love and anger?
Yes, red is versatile and can symbolize intense emotions like love and anger.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Is red more attention-grabbing than maroon?
Generally, the brightness and vibrancy of red make it more attention-grabbing than the muted maroon.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Does the word maroon derive from the French word for chestnut?
Yes, maroon is derived from the French word "marron," meaning chestnut.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
Is red a symbol of excitement?
Yes, red is often associated with excitement and passion.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Can maroon be used in formal settings?
Yes, maroon is often suitable for formal and elegant settings due to its subdued and rich tone.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Is red the color of stop signs?
Yes, stop signs are typically red to grab attention and signify importance.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Is maroon darker than red?
Generally, maroon is a darker and more muted shade compared to red.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Can maroon be associated with seriousness?
Yes, the rich and subdued tone of maroon can represent seriousness and formality.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
Can maroon represent elegance and tradition?
Yes, maroon is often associated with elegance, sophistication, and tradition.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Does red have various shades and tones?
Yes, red has a variety of shades and tones, each representing different moods and meanings.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
Can red signify danger?
Yes, red is often used to signify danger due to its visibility and association with warning and alert.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
