scarlet

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "scarlet" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word "scarlet" to describe something that is a deep red color, or as an adjective to describe something that is the same color. For example, "Her scarf was a bright scarlet color."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Red beads about her neck, her twisted hair secured with a scarlet crayon.

The Guardian - Books

He wears a scarlet high-buttoned shirt and holds himself with his neck lowered, his eyes cast towards the ground, as if in apology for his impressive height.

The Guardian

The real Jonathan is warm and bearish, with a mohican, chic specs, a scarlet fleece, hippyish brown leather shoes – loads of visual flair.

The Guardian - Film

In day-nighters (more rare at Lord's than elsewhere due to planning restrictions), I like to spend half an hour in the Compton Stand as dusk falls, to watch the blush pink brickwork deepen to bloody scarlet as it retreats a little, the artificial floodlights creating a new palette for our eyes to appreciate.

The Guardian - Sport

A vision in ermine, tiaras, wigs and scarlet robes.

The Guardian

Birds, especially the scarlet ibis, weave the book's multiple storylines together and provide a moving backdrop for a story that celebrates the often overlooked courage, loyalty and competence of children.

The Guardian

And Leigh does explore it as Turner shockingly adds his scarlet daub to the seascape Helvoetsluys as if he were vandalising his own work – until, with targeted panache, he turns the blob into a recognisable buoy.

The Guardian - Film

Mann's movie was also the last of its kind for 36 years, the genre subsequently having fallen out of favour.Where "Demetrius and the Gladiators" had all the intelligence of a comic strip, with rippling muscles, scarlet women and an all-out assault on eyes and ears, "The Fall of the Roman Empire", mindful of Gibbon, strove for sobriety and historical accuracy.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Dashing and courteous, splendidly handsome, he wished often for the strange hats he saw, bowler or thin-brimmed, foot-high or scarlet-plumed, in order to flourish them high to all the people who wished him well.Critics of his two best-loved books, "A Time of Gifts" (1977) and "Between the Woods and the Water" (1986), complained that he swanned through 1930s Europe without noticing the clouds.

The Economist

As he strolls in his pin-striped suit, the scarlet-haired leader of a group called "Stop Farage At Thanet" hurls abuse at him.

The Economist

Mac cosmetics this year launched a range of Iris Apfel colours, including Pink Pigeon and Scarlet Ibis, referencing the name of the Met show – Rare Bird – and Apfel's penchant for bright colours.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scarlet", consider the emotional impact of the color. It can evoke feelings of passion, danger, or sin, so choose your words carefully.

Common error

While "scarlet" can add vividness to writing, avoid overuse in formal contexts where a more neutral term like "red" might be more appropriate. Consider your audience and the desired tone.

Linguistic Context

"Scarlet" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a specific shade of red. It can also function as a noun, referring to the color itself. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scarlet" is a versatile term primarily used as an adjective or noun to describe a vivid, slightly orange-red color. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. As evidenced by the numerous examples from news and media sources, "scarlet" is a common word, often used to add vividness and emotional depth to descriptions. When writing, consider the potential connotations of passion or danger that "scarlet" may evoke, and choose it carefully to achieve your intended effect. Alternative terms like "crimson" or "ruby red" can be used to convey similar shades with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crimson

Similar deep red color, but with a slightly more formal or literary connotation.

ruby red

Emphasizes the preciousness and brilliance of the red color, like a ruby gemstone.

vermilion

A vivid red or reddish-orange color, often associated with pigments and art.

blood red

Evokes a strong, intense red, often associated with blood and passion.

cherry red

A bright and cheerful red, reminiscent of ripe cherries.

fiery red

Suggests a vibrant, intense, almost burning red color.

deep red

A general term for a rich and intense shade of red.

bright red

Refers to a vivid and luminous shade of red.

reddish

Implies something tending towards red, but not fully red.

carmine

A vivid red dye obtained from cochineal.

FAQs

How to use "scarlet" in a sentence?

"Scarlet" can be used as an adjective to describe something of a bright red color, such as "The sunset painted the sky with scarlet hues", or as a noun referring to the color itself.

What can I say instead of "scarlet"?

You can use alternatives like "crimson", "vermilion", or "ruby red" depending on the specific shade and context.

Which is correct, "scarlet" or "red"?

Both "scarlet" and "red" are correct, but "scarlet" refers to a specific bright red color, slightly orange. "Red" is a more general term.

What's the difference between "scarlet" and "crimson"?

"Scarlet" is a bright red color with a slightly orange tinge, while "crimson" is a deep, purplish-red color. The difference lies in the hue and saturation.