Red vs. Burgundy: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || 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.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
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.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Presence in Nature
Abundant (e.g., roses, apples)
Less common (e.g., certain leaves, wine)

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Oct 05, 2023
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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.

Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
Burgundy
A dark red resembling certain wines.
She chose a burgundy dress for the evening gala.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Red
A color symbolizing emotions like love or anger.
She wore red to express her passionate personality.

Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Burgundy
A color often found in autumn foliage.
The burgundy leaves signaled the arrival of fall.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
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Burgundy
A mix of red and purple tones.
The sunset had hints of pink, orange, and burgundy.

Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 2022
Burgundy
Associated with sophistication and elegance.
The burgundy drapes gave the room a regal appearance.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Burgundy
Reminiscent of matured wines from the Burgundy region.
He had a preference for deep burgundy wines.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Burgundy
Any of various red or white wines produced in the Burgundy region of France.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 2022
Burgundy
Burgundy A dark grayish or blackish red to dark purplish red or reddish brown.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 2022
Red
The condition of being in debt or operating at a loss
The firm has been in the red all year.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 2022
Burgundy
(color) A dark red colour tinged with purple, like that of Burgundy (red) wine.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 2022
Red
Reddish in color or having parts that are reddish in color
A red dog.
A red oak.

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Oct 24, 2022
Burgundy
Red table wine from the Burgundy region of France (or any similar wine made elsewhere)

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Oct 24, 2022
Red
(of hair) Having an orange-brown or orange-blond colour; ginger.
Her hair had red highlights.

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Oct 24, 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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Oct 24, 2022
Red
Supportive of, related to, or dominated by a political party or movement represented by the color red:

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Oct 24, 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

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Oct 24, 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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Oct 24, 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.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 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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Oct 24, 2022
Red
(countable) Any of several varieties of ale which are brewed with red or kilned malt, giving the beer a red colour.

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Oct 24, 2022
Red
(informal) The redfish or red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus, a fish with reddish fins and scales.

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Oct 24, 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.

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Oct 24, 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
Oct 24, 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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Oct 24, 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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Oct 24, 2022
Red
Emotionally charged terms used to refer to extreme radicals or revolutionaries

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Oct 24, 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

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 2022
Red
Having any of numerous bright or strong colors reminiscent of the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 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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Oct 24, 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

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 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

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 24, 2022
Red
Often used for alerts or attention-grabbing.
The red stop sign signaled drivers to halt.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Red
Indicative of ripeness in many fruits.
The strawberries turned red when ready to eat.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
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.

Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
Is burgundy just a fancy term for red?
No, burgundy is a specific dark shade of red, often with hints of purple.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Why is red often used for stop signs?
Red is attention-grabbing and universally associated with alerts or danger.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Can burgundy be considered a shade of red?
Yes, burgundy is a shade of red with a hint of purple.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Why is burgundy associated with elegance?
Its deep, rich hue often evokes feelings of sophistication and luxury.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Can I call any dark red "burgundy"?
While subjective, burgundy typically has a distinct deep red-purple hue, reminiscent of the wine.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Does red have any cultural significance?
Yes, in many cultures, red symbolizes luck, prosperity, and celebration.

Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Which color is more attention-grabbing: red or burgundy?
Generally, red due to its brighter and bolder nature.

Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
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.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Is the term "burgundy" used outside of color descriptions?
Yes, it also refers to wine from the Burgundy region in France.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Can burgundy be considered a "neutral" color in fashion?
While not traditionally neutral, it's versatile and pairs well with many colors.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
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.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Are ruby and burgundy the same?
No, ruby is another shade of red but is typically brighter than burgundy.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Are there other words similar to burgundy to describe dark reds?
Yes, terms like maroon, oxblood, and crimson describe various dark red shades.

Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Which is more formal: red or burgundy?
Burgundy is often seen as more formal due to its subdued and rich hue.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Can burgundy be found naturally?
Yes, in things like autumn leaves, certain flowers, and of course, in wine.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Why is the emotion of love often symbolized by red?
Red has historically been associated with strong emotions, including passion and love.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
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.

Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
Why is blood red?
Hemoglobin, a protein in blood, binds with oxygen, giving blood its red color.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Can red and burgundy be used interchangeably?
It depends on context, but they are distinct colors with different connotations.

Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 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
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
