Purple and violet are often thought to be synonymous, but in fact they are distinct shades with different properties. Purple is a color that combines red and blue light, while violet is a spectrum color with its own wavelength on the visible spectrum. In the following article, we will explore the key differences between purple and violet, looking at their technical definitions, cultural associations, uses, and which one is actually darker.
Technical Definitions
Purple and violet both lie at the end of the visible spectrum, next to blue. However, they have slightly different wavelengths:
| Color | Wavelength Range |
| Purple | 380-450 nm |
| Violet | 380-450 nm |
As you can see, violet is a spectral color with its own wavelength, while purple is a non-spectral color made by combining red and blue light. This means violet appears in rainbows, but true purple does not. Violet also has a shorter wavelength than purple and is located at the very end of the visible spectrum.
Cultural Associations
Culturally, purple and violet both tend to be associated with royalty, luxury, spirituality, and creativity. However, some distinct cultural meanings have emerged:
| Purple | Royalty, wealth, ambition, imagination |
| Violet | Delicacy, grace, femininity, modesty |
Purple is strongly associated with royalty and richness due to the rarity and expense of purple dyes in antiquity. It is linked to power, ambition, and creativity. Violet has softer connotations like femininity and delicacy, partially due to being at the higher frequency end of the visible spectrum. Violet flowers and gemstones often symbolize modesty and grace.
Uses
When should you choose purple vs. violet? Here are some common uses of each color:
| Purple | Websites, logos, marketing, weddings, interiors |
| Violet | Fashion, floristry, art, candles, bakery packaging |
Purple’s boldness makes it ideal for branding and marketing. It stands out on websites and logos. Violet has traditionally been worn by royalty and the elite, so it works well for upscale fashion. Its delicate nature suits flowers, cakes, and handmade goods.
Which is Darker?
Given that violet has a shorter wavelength than purple, it absorbs more light and is therefore a darker shade. When you look at purple and violet side-by-side, violet is clearly darker:
| Color | HEX Code | Darkness |
| Purple | #800080 | Medium-dark |
| Violet | #8F00FF | Very dark |
As these HEX values show, violet (#8F00FF) absorbs more light than purple (#800080). Violet sits at the very end of the visible spectrum, meaning it has the shortest wavelength within the visible range, allowing it to absorb more light.
Conclusion
In summary, while purple and violet look similar, they have distinct technical differences. Violet has a shorter wavelength than purple, allowing it to absorb more light. This makes violet a darker shade compared to purple. Violet is also a spectral color with its own wavelength, while purple is a non-spectral color combining red and blue. Culturally, violet is associated with delicate femininity, while purple represents ambition, luxury, and creativity. Both have regal connections. Violet is best for floral motifs, fashion, and art, while purple suits corporate branding and marketing.
So in answer to the original question of which is darker, violet or purple – violet is the darker shade. Understanding their technical differences allows you to choose the most suitable shade for your needs.