Scarlet vs. Maroon — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 24, 2023
Scarlet is a bright red with a hint of orange, while maroon is a dark brownish-red color.
Difference Between Scarlet and Maroon
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Scarlet is a vibrant shade of red that often has a slight tinge of orange. It's vivid, eye-catching, and can often be associated with things that demand attention. On the other hand, maroon has a deeper, more muted tone. Maroon draws its essence from a brownish-red hue, making it darker and more subdued than scarlet.
When thinking about scarlet, one might envision the brilliant red of a cardinal bird or the rich hue of certain autumn leaves. Maroon, in contrast, could bring to mind the color of chestnuts or the deep shade often seen in academic robes. Their tonal differences make them suited for different aesthetic applications.
In historical or cultural contexts, scarlet has often been associated with luxury, power, and vibrancy due to its bright nature. Maroon, with its more somber tone, has been linked to formality, dignity, and sometimes even austerity. For example, in certain cultures and traditions, maroon might be the preferred choice for formal or religious attire.
When it comes to applications in design or fashion, scarlet often stands out and can be used to draw attention or make a bold statement. Maroon, with its depth and richness, can add a touch of elegance or sophistication. While both colors can be considered "reds," their mood and impact can be quite distinct.
Lastly, from a technical perspective, the difference between scarlet and maroon often lies in their composition. Scarlet tends to have a more significant presence of yellow, giving it that slight orange undertone, while maroon leans more towards blue, which gives it that brownish hue.
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Comparison Chart
Basic Hue
Bright red with a hint of orange.
Dark brownish-red.
Associations
Vibrancy, attention, luxury.
Formality, dignity, sophistication.
Typical Imagery
Cardinal bird, autumn leaves.
Chestnuts, academic robes.
Cultural Implications
Often linked with power and vibrancy.
Preferred for formal or religious attire in some traditions.
Color Composition
Greater presence of yellow (orange undertone).
Leans towards blue (brownish undertone).
Compare with Definitions
Scarlet
A shade symbolizing luxury and power in some contexts.
The king wore a scarlet robe to signify his status.
Maroon
A dark brownish-red color.
He chose a maroon tie for the formal event.
Scarlet
A bright, vivid red color.
The scarlet dress caught everyone's attention at the party.
Maroon
A shade often linked to formality and dignity.
The university's academic robes are traditionally maroon.
Scarlet
A red hue with a slight orange tinge.
Autumn leaves turned a beautiful shade of scarlet.
Maroon
A muted tone ideal for creating a somber or classic ambiance.
The artist used maroon hues to convey the scene's moodiness.
Scarlet
A color often associated with vibrancy and energy.
The scarlet banner was raised high during the celebration.
Maroon
A color that carries richness and sophistication.
The maroon velvet chair was both comfortable and stylish.
Scarlet
A hue that's eye-catching and demands attention.
Her scarlet lipstick was a bold choice.
Maroon
Maroon (US/UK mə-ROON, Australia mə-ROHN) is a brownish crimson color that takes its name from the French word marron, or chestnut. "Marron" is also one of the French translations for "brown".
Scarlet
Of a brilliant red colour
A mass of scarlet berries
Maroon
Of a brownish-red colour
Ornate maroon and gold wallpaper
Scarlet
A brilliant red colour
Papers lettered in scarlet and black
Maroon
A member of any of various communities in parts of the Caribbean who were originally descended from escaped slaves. In the 18th century Jamaican Maroons fought two wars against the British, both of which ended with treaties affirming the independence of the Maroons.
Scarlet
A strong to vivid red or reddish orange.
Maroon
Leave (someone) trapped and alone in an inaccessible place, especially an island
A novel about schoolboys marooned on a desert island
Scarlet
Scarlet-colored clothing or cloth.
Maroon
To put ashore on a deserted island or coast and intentionally abandon.
Scarlet
Of a strong to vivid red or reddish orange.
Maroon
To abandon or isolate with little hope of ready rescue or escape
The travelers were marooned by the blizzard.
Scarlet
Flagrantly immoral or unchaste
Scarlet thoughts.
Maroon
A fugitive black slave in the West Indies in the 1600s and 1700s.
Scarlet
A brilliant red colour tinged with orange.
Maroon
A descendant of such a slave.
Scarlet
Cloth of a scarlet color.
Maroon
A person who is marooned, as on an island.
Scarlet
Of a bright red colour.
Maroon
A dark reddish brown to dark purplish red.
Scarlet
Sinful or whorish.
A scarlet woman
Maroon
An escaped negro of the Caribbean and the Americas or a descendant of such a person.
Scarlet
(Ireland) Blushing; embarrassed or mortified.
Maroon
A castaway; a person who has been marooned.
Scarlet
(transitive) To dye or tinge (something) with scarlet.
Maroon
A rich dark red, somewhat brownish, color.
Scarlet
A deep bright red tinged with orange or yellow, - of many tints and shades; a vivid or bright red color.
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).
Scarlet
Cloth of a scarlet color.
All her household are clothed with scarlet.
Maroon
An idiot; a fool.
Scarlet
Of the color called scarlet; as, a scarlet cloth or thread.
Maroon
Associated with Maroon culture, communities or peoples.
Scarlet
To dye or tinge with scarlet.
The ashy paleness of my cheekIs scarleted in ruddy flakes of wrath.
Maroon
Of a maroon color
Scarlet
A variable color that is vivid red but sometimes with an orange tinge
Maroon
To abandon in a remote, desolate place, as on a desert island.
Scarlet
Having any of numerous bright or strong colors reminiscent of the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies
Maroon
In the West Indies and Guiana, a fugitive slave, or a free negro, living in the mountains.
Maroon
A brownish or dull red of any description, esp. of a scarlet cast rather than approaching crimson or purple.
Maroon
An explosive shell. See Marron, 3.
Maroon
To put (a person) ashore on a desolate island or coast and leave him to his fate.
Maroon
Having the color called maroon. See 4th Maroon.
Maroon
A person who is stranded (as on an island);
When the tide came in I was a maroon out there
Maroon
A dark purplish red to dark brownish red
Maroon
An exploding firework used as a warning signal
Maroon
Leave stranded or isolated withe little hope og rescue;
The travellers were marooned
Maroon
Leave stranded on a desert island without resources;
The mutinous sailors were marooned on an island
Maroon
Dark brownish to purplish red
Maroon
A hue that's deeper and more subdued than bright reds.
The maroon curtains added a touch of elegance to the room.
Common Curiosities
Can both scarlet and maroon be associated with formality?
While both can be used formally, scarlet often conveys vibrancy, whereas maroon is linked to dignity and sophistication.
How does scarlet differ from basic red?
Scarlet is a brighter red with a hint of orange, making it more vivid than basic red.
What feelings might scarlet evoke compared to maroon?
Scarlet might evoke feelings of energy, passion, and excitement, while maroon might evoke feelings of depth, elegance, and formality.
Can maroon be considered a shade of scarlet?
Not typically. While both are reds, their undertones and brightness levels differ significantly.
Which color might be considered more "royal": scarlet or maroon?
Both can be associated with royalty, but scarlet often signifies luxury and power, while maroon might signify depth and dignity.
Can scarlet and maroon be used together in design?
Absolutely! They can complement each other, with scarlet providing brightness and maroon adding depth.
Is maroon considered a shade of red?
Yes, maroon is a dark brownish-red shade, considered a variant of red.
Which color, scarlet or maroon, is brighter?
Scarlet is typically brighter and more vivid, while maroon is darker and more muted.
Which has a more significant presence in fall fashion: scarlet or maroon?
While both can appear, maroon is more commonly associated with fall fashion due to its deep, warm tone.
Are scarlet and maroon close on the color spectrum?
While both are reds, scarlet leans towards bright red with orange undertones, and maroon is a darker brownish-red.
Is scarlet often used in warnings or alerts?
Yes, due to its bright and attention-grabbing nature, scarlet can be used in warnings or alerts.
In which scenarios is maroon seen as more appropriate than scarlet?
In settings requiring subdued elegance, formality, or tradition, maroon might be preferred over the bright vibrancy of scarlet.
How do artists differentiate between scarlet and maroon in paintings?
Artists often use scarlet for brighter, vivid sections and maroon for deeper, more muted areas, given their respective hues.
Is there a significant difference in the color composition of scarlet and maroon?
Yes, scarlet tends to have more yellow, giving it an orange undertone, while maroon leans more towards blue, giving it a brownish undertone.
Are there any historical contexts where scarlet is preferred over maroon?
Historically, scarlet, being a vibrant color, was often associated with luxury and might be preferred in contexts highlighting power or status.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
