crimson
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈkrɪmzən/
KK: /ˈkrɪmzən/
adjective
Definition
A deep red color, often with a hint of purple.
Example
The sunset painted the sky in shades of crimson.
Conversation
I just bought a new dress that’s a deep crimson color.
That sounds beautiful! I love that shade.
Yeah, it really stands out and looks great for evening events.
You should wear it to the party; it’ll definitely turn heads.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
red
scarlet
ruby
Antonyms
pale
dull
faded
verb
Definition
To make or become a deep red color.
Example
The sunset began to crimson the sky with beautiful shades of red.
Tense Forms
Past: crimsoned
Past Participle: crimsoned
Conversation
I saw a sunset last night that was so crimson it took my breath away.
Wow, that sounds beautiful! I love when the sky looks like that.
Yeah, it really looked like the clouds were crimson with color.
Root Explanation
Crimson originates from the Arabic word 'qirmiz' (meaning a type of dye made from the kermes insect), which passed into Latin as 'cermis' and then into Old French as 'cramoisi'. The word refers to a deep red color, particularly associated with the dye derived from the kermes insect.
Memory Tip
Imagine the rich, deep red color of the dye made from the kermes insect — that's what crimson represents.
Visually Confused Words
scrimshon
encrimson
becrimson
scrimshorn
chrismon
acrimony