Red vs. Burgundy: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 11, 2023
"Red" is a primary color, while "Burgundy" is a deep, dark shade of red reminiscent of red wine.
Key Differences
Red is one of the three primary colors in the traditional color wheel, standing out as bold and bright. In contrast, Burgundy derives its name from the wine produced in the Burgundy region of France and is characterized by its rich, dark hue, which can be seen as a mix of red and purple.
Universally recognized, Red often symbolizes passion, love, and danger. It's a color that grabs attention and is used extensively in various cultural and societal contexts. Burgundy, with its deeper and muted tone, is often associated with sophistication, elegance, and sometimes, autumn.
When discussing fashion, Red is versatile and can be worn to make a statement, often chosen for its vibrant nature. Burgundy, being a darker shade, is more understated, making it a popular choice for formal wear or more conservative settings.
In design and branding, Red is used when one aims to evoke strong emotions, stimulate appetites, or create urgency. Burgundy, due to its richness and depth, is often used to convey luxury, depth, and maturity.
Red can be found abundantly in nature, from flowers to fruits, signaling ripeness or attraction. Burgundy, being a more specialized hue, is less common but can be seen in certain flora, sunsets, and, of course, in the wine that carries its name.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
Primary color
Named after Burgundy wine
Tone
Bright and bold
Deep, dark red with a hint of purple
Common Associations
Passion, love, danger
Sophistication, elegance, luxury
Usage in Fashion
Vibrant statement pieces
Formal, conservative wear
Presence in Nature
Abundant (e.g., roses, apples)
Less common (e.g., certain leaves, wine)
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Red and Burgundy Definitions
Red
A primary color on the traditional color wheel.
The apple was a bright shade of red.
Burgundy
A dark red resembling certain wines.
She chose a burgundy dress for the evening gala.
Red
A color symbolizing emotions like love or anger.
She wore red to express her passionate personality.
Burgundy
A color often found in autumn foliage.
The burgundy leaves signaled the arrival of fall.
Red
The color of blood.
He noticed a red mark on his hand after the cut.
Burgundy
A mix of red and purple tones.
The sunset had hints of pink, orange, and burgundy.
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.
Burgundy
Associated with sophistication and elegance.
The burgundy drapes gave the room a regal appearance.
Red
A pigment or dye having a red hue.
Burgundy
Reminiscent of matured wines from the Burgundy region.
He had a preference for deep burgundy wines.
Red
Something that has a red hue.
Burgundy
Any of various red or white wines produced in the Burgundy region of France.
Red
Often Red A Communist.
Burgundy
Any of various similar wines produced elsewhere.
Red
A revolutionary activist.
Burgundy
Burgundy A dark grayish or blackish red to dark purplish red or reddish brown.
Red
The condition of being in debt or operating at a loss
The firm has been in the red all year.
Burgundy
Alternative case form of Burgundy(red wine).
Red
Having a color resembling that of blood.
Burgundy
(color) A dark red colour tinged with purple, like that of Burgundy (red) wine.
Red
Reddish in color or having parts that are reddish in color
A red dog.
A red oak.
Burgundy
Of a deep purple red color like that of Burgundy wine.
Red
Having a reddish or coppery skin color.
Burgundy
An old province of France (in the eastern central part).
Red
Often Red Often Offensive Of or being a Native American.
Burgundy
A richly flavored wine, mostly red, made in Burgundy, France.
Red
Having a ruddy or flushed complexion
Red with embarrassment.
Burgundy
A former province of eastern France that is famous for its wines
Red
Relating to or being a red state.
Burgundy
Red table wine from the Burgundy region of France (or any similar wine made elsewhere)
Red
Often Red Communist.
Burgundy
A dark purplish red to blackish red
Red
Having red#Noun as its color.
The girl wore a red skirt.
Red
(of hair) Having an orange-brown or orange-blond colour; ginger.
Her hair had red highlights.
Red
(of the skin) With a red hue due to embarrassment or sunburn.
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.
Red
Supportive of, related to, or dominated by a political party or movement represented by the color red:
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
Red
(US politics) The U.S. Republican Party.
A red state
A red Congress
Red
Amerind; relating to Amerindians or First Nations
Red
(astronomy) Of the lower-frequency region of the (typically visible) part of the electromagnetic spectrum which is relevant in the specific observation.
Red
(particle physics) Having a color charge of red.
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.
Red
(countable) A revolutionary socialist or (most commonly) a Communist; usually capitalized a Bolshevik, a supporter of the Bolsheviks in the Russian Civil War.
Red
One of the 15 red balls used in snooker, distinguished from the colours.
Red
Red wine.
Red
(countable) Any of several varieties of ale which are brewed with red or kilned malt, giving the beer a red colour.
Red
A red kangaroo.
Red
A redshank.
Red
An American Indian.
Red
(slang) The drug secobarbital; a capsule of this drug.
Red
(informal) A red light a traffic signal
Red
(particle physics) One of the three color charges for quarks.
Red
Usually in the phrase "bowl of red".
Red
(informal) The redfish or red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus, a fish with reddish fins and scales.
Red
Tomato ketchup.
Red
(archaic) rede
Red
To put on order; to make tidy; also, to free from entanglement or embarrassement; - generally with up; as, to red up a house.
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.
Red
The color of blood, or of that part of the spectrum farthest from violet, or a tint resembling these.
Red
A red pigment.
Red
The menses.
Red
The quality or state of the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
Red
A tributary of the Mississippi River that flows eastward from Texas along the southern boundary of Oklahoma and through Louisiana
Red
Emotionally charged terms used to refer to extreme radicals or revolutionaries
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
Red
Having any of numerous bright or strong colors reminiscent of the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies
Red
Characterized by violence or bloodshed;
Writes of crimson deeds and barbaric days
Fann'd by Conquest's crimson wing
Convulsed with red rage
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
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
Red
Often used for alerts or attention-grabbing.
The red stop sign signaled drivers to halt.
Red
Indicative of ripeness in many fruits.
The strawberries turned red when ready to eat.
FAQs
Is the red in the rainbow the same as burgundy?
No, the rainbow's red is brighter, while burgundy is a deeper, darker shade.
Is burgundy just a fancy term for red?
No, burgundy is a specific dark shade of red, often with hints of purple.
Why is red often used for stop signs?
Red is attention-grabbing and universally associated with alerts or danger.
Can burgundy be considered a shade of red?
Yes, burgundy is a shade of red with a hint of purple.
Why is burgundy associated with elegance?
Its deep, rich hue often evokes feelings of sophistication and luxury.
Can I call any dark red "burgundy"?
While subjective, burgundy typically has a distinct deep red-purple hue, reminiscent of the wine.
Does red have any cultural significance?
Yes, in many cultures, red symbolizes luck, prosperity, and celebration.
Which color is more attention-grabbing: red or burgundy?
Generally, red due to its brighter and bolder nature.
How do I differentiate between red and burgundy in art?
Red will be brighter and more vivid, while burgundy will appear deeper with a purplish tint.
Is the term "burgundy" used outside of color descriptions?
Yes, it also refers to wine from the Burgundy region in France.
Can burgundy be considered a "neutral" color in fashion?
While not traditionally neutral, it's versatile and pairs well with many colors.
Is there a difference in usage between red and burgundy in design?
Yes, red is often used for emphasis and attention, while burgundy conveys depth and luxury.
Are ruby and burgundy the same?
No, ruby is another shade of red but is typically brighter than burgundy.
Are there other words similar to burgundy to describe dark reds?
Yes, terms like maroon, oxblood, and crimson describe various dark red shades.
Which is more formal: red or burgundy?
Burgundy is often seen as more formal due to its subdued and rich hue.
Can burgundy be found naturally?
Yes, in things like autumn leaves, certain flowers, and of course, in wine.
Why is the emotion of love often symbolized by red?
Red has historically been associated with strong emotions, including passion and love.
Is there a difference between wine-colored and burgundy?
Both terms often refer to similar hues, but "wine-colored" can encompass a broader range of wine shades.
Why is blood red?
Hemoglobin, a protein in blood, binds with oxygen, giving blood its red color.
Can red and burgundy be used interchangeably?
It depends on context, but they are distinct colors with different connotations.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
