scarlet
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.having a very bright, strong red colour.
adj.of a brilliant red colour, typically with a slight orange tint.
Simple“The soldiers looked very smart in their traditional scarlet uniforms.”
In context“The autumn leaves turned a vibrant scarlet, creating a stunning contrast against the grey stone of the old manor house.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a bright red colour.
n.a brilliant red colour; also refers to cloth of this specific hue.
Simple“She chose a dress in a deep shade of scarlet for the party.”
In context“The cardinal was dressed in scarlet, a colour traditionally reserved for high-ranking officials in the church.”
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun when referring to the colour itself.
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
adj.feeling very embarrassed, making your face turn red.
adj.blushing deeply due to intense embarrassment or mortification.
Simple“I was absolutely scarlet when I realised I had called him by the wrong name.”
In context“She went scarlet with shame after her mistake was pointed out in front of the entire department.”
UsageCommonly used in British and Irish English to describe a physical reaction to shame.
Teacher's tipLearners should be aware that this is quite informal and often used in the phrase 'to go scarlet'.
- 04 C2 Proficiency
adj.used in old stories to describe someone who has done something very wrong or immoral.
adj.characterised by sin or immorality; frequently used in literary or biblical contexts.
Simple“In the old novel, the character was punished for her scarlet sins.”
In context“The poem uses scarlet imagery to represent the moral corruption of the city's ruling class.”
UsageOften appears in the fixed phrase 'scarlet woman' or 'scarlet sins'.
Teacher's tipThis sense is mostly found in older literature and is rarely used to describe modern behaviour without a sense of irony.
- 05 C2 Proficiency
v.to colour something bright red.
v.to dye, tinge, or colour something with a scarlet hue.
Simple“The setting sun began to scarlet the clouds along the horizon.”
In context“The artisan used traditional methods to scarlet the silk threads before weaving the ceremonial robe.”
UsageUsually transitive, requiring a direct object.
Teacher's tipThe verb form is much rarer than the adjective or noun; it is almost exclusively found in poetic or highly descriptive writing.