blue
noun (uncountable)
UK/bluː/US/bluː/
The color of the clear sky or deep sea, situated between green and violet in the spectrum.
Example Sentences
She chose a blue dress for the summer party, complementing her bright smile.
The artist mixed various shades of blue to create a serene ocean landscape.
He felt a sense of melancholy, as if a deep blue had settled over his mood.
The clear blue sky was unmarred by a single cloud, perfect for a day at the beach.
After the storm, the sky returned to a brilliant blue, signaling the end of the heavy rains.
The company's logo features a bold blue color, representing trust and reliability.
She painted her room a soothing blue to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
The deep blue sea stretched out to the horizon, meeting the sky in a seamless blend.
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adjective
UK/bluː/US/bluː/
Of the color blue; having a blue color.
Example Sentences
She wore a blue sweater to keep warm during the chilly evening.
The blue curtains matched the color of her eyes, creating a harmonious look.
He admired the blue sky as he walked through the park on a sunny day.
The artist chose a blue palette to convey the tranquility of the seascape.
A blue ribbon was tied around the gift, making it look festive and bright.
The blue flowers in the garden added a touch of elegance to the landscape.
Her favorite car was a sleek blue model that stood out on the road.
They decided to paint the bedroom walls a soft blue to create a calming environment.
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verb (transitive)
UK/bluː/US/bluː/
To make or become blue in color.
Example Sentences
She decided to blue her nails to match her outfit for the evening.
The company plans to blue the new uniforms to establish a consistent brand image.
After the accident, the painter had to blue the damaged area to maintain the artwork's integrity.
They used a special dye to blue the fabric, giving it a vibrant and rich hue.
The sky began to blue as the sun set, painting the horizon with stunning colors.
He blueed the walls of his office to create a professional and calming environment.
The manufacturer will blue the metal components to prevent rust and enhance durability.
Artists often blue their canvases to create a base for their landscape paintings.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
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How to Use
A primary color evoking calm or signifying a melancholic mood.Often serving as an adjective or noun, “blue” can indicate the color of the sky, water, or anything that shares a similar hue. It also describes a mood—particularly sadness or melancholy—like saying, “I’m feeling blue today.” In fashion or interior design, “blue” is chosen for its serene or cool quality, while in art, it can convey depth and introspection. You might say, “He wore a blue shirt to the interview,” or “Painting the walls blue creates a calming effect.” Beyond describing color, “blue” finds use in phrases such as “blue-collar” (referring to certain types of labor), or “once in a blue moon” (indicating something very rare). In a more emotional sense, “blue” might highlight sorrow in everyday expressions—like “She’s been so blue since she moved away.” Clarity arises from context: are you pointing to a physical hue, an emotional state, or a broader cultural reference? Whether literal or metaphorical, “blue” remains versatile, carrying both tranquility and depth within a single word.
Alternatives
When you need synonyms for “blue” in a color sense, consider terms like “azure,” “cerulean,” or “navy,” each reflecting different shades and intensities. “Indigo” covers a deep, purple-tinged hue, while “cobalt” suggests a bright, vivid tone. If the context is emotional, words like “sad” or “downcast” capture the feeling of being “blue,” though they lack the concise color-based metaphor. For design or artistic writing, you can say “cool-toned” to allude to the calming temperature typically associated with blue. If you need a more playful alternative, “sky-colored” or “sea-toned” might evoke gentle or relaxing imagery. In formal texts discussing color theory, “primary color” clarifies blue’s foundational role (alongside red and yellow in traditional color models). Meanwhile, if referencing cultural phrases, you might use expressions like “feeling low” or “in a funk” to convey a milder sense of sadness without explicitly relying on color. Each synonym or phrase shifts the nuance—be it purely aesthetic, emotional, or culturally idiomatic—so choose based on whether you’re spotlighting hue, mood, or context-driven metaphors.
Writing
When writing about “blue,” be explicit about whether you mean color, feeling, or cultural significance. In descriptive passages, capture the specific shade or atmosphere: is it a pale, barely-there blue like a morning sky, or a deep, mysterious navy like a midnight ocean? Adding descriptive language—“a gentle wash of powder blue” or “the electric glow of neon blue”—helps readers visualize the scene. If your intent is emotional, weave sensory details into your narrative: perhaps the character slumps under a “blue feeling,” comparing it to a cloudy horizon or an ocean of sorrow. In analytical or instructional pieces—such as articles on design or branding—demonstrate how varying hues of blue can affect mood or perception (trust, reliability, or tranquility). For creative works, ensure “blue” resonates with your theme. In a story about longing, describing a vast blue sea could echo a character’s distance from something they yearn for. In an essay on corporate identity, highlight how major companies frequently rely on blue logos to project stability and professionalism. By pairing “blue” with context—color theory, emotional undertones, or brand psychology—you maintain clarity and depth, turning a simple color term into a meaningful part of your composition.
Casual Conversation
Everyday conversation sees “blue” slip in naturally when chatting about clothes, moods, or even the weather. “I wore my favorite blue jeans today,” or “I’m feeling a bit blue,” are common uses. You might describe a picturesque day: “The sky’s so bright blue it looks like a postcard!” or a friend’s mood: “Why are you looking so blue?” Phrases like “out of the blue” denote surprise—“He quit his job out of the blue!”—while “true blue” can imply loyalty. “Blue moon” references something happening rarely, and “blue Monday” jokes about the difficulty of returning to work after a weekend. In casual talk, context usually clarifies whether it’s about literal color or an emotional vibe. It’s such a routine word that people don’t think twice about its dual meaning—so if you’re using it in conversation, a simple mention of “blue” in relation to mood or hue is enough to be understood. Keep it short and straightforward: “I just love this shade of blue—it feels so calming,” or “He’s feeling a bit blue about his exam results.” That’s typically all you need to convey either calm positivity or mild sadness in an everyday setting.
Etymology
The English word “blue” traces back to the Old French ‘bleu,’ which evolved from a Germanic root that also influenced words in other European languages for the same color. Historically, blue pigments (like ultramarine from lapis lazuli) were rare and highly prized, reflecting both status and expense in medieval and Renaissance art. Over time, as new dyes and methods emerged—such as indigo—blue became more accessible and frequently used in textiles, artwork, and cultural symbols. In Western culture, blue accrued associations with trust, serenity, and authority (think uniforms or corporate branding). Simultaneously, English developed phrases linking “blue” with sadness or melancholia, possibly influenced by folk traditions or older maritime references to “blue devils” and the color of stormy seas. The phrase “feeling blue” took root, weaving emotional depth into what had largely been a literal color word. Meanwhile, within color theory, blue’s role as a primary color means it stands at the foundation of countless shades and palettes, underscoring its importance in both science and art. Thus, “blue” has journeyed from a rare luxury hue to a staple color and an emblem of numerous symbolic meanings across languages, art, and everyday life.
