violet

Everyday

1. Violet is a bluish-purple colour. tree →
2. A violet is a small plant with purple, blue or white flowers. tree →
3. «A shrinking violet» (informal) is a very shy person. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons about light, violet is the last colour of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet). Ultraviolet light is beyond violet and can burn skin. In nature, violets are spring wildflowers. In art, violet is made by mixing blue and red.

Examples

• Violet is the last colour of the rainbow. tree →
• The violets in the woods smell sweet. tree →
• She wore a violet dress. tree →
• Mix blue and red to make violet. tree →
• Ultraviolet light from the sun can burn your skin. tree →
• He is no shrinking violet; he loves performing. tree →
• The sky turned violet at sunset. tree →
• The violets gushed up along the wayside. tree →

Note

Violet is also a girl's name (capital V). Rainbow order trick: «Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain» (red to violet). Violet and purple are close; violet is a little bluer.