Red
|red|
/rɛd/
(red)
color of blood
Etymology
'red' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'rēad', where it meant 'red, ruddy'. It descends from Proto-Germanic '*rauthaz' and ultimately from Proto-Indo-European '*reudh-'.
'red' changed from Old English 'rēad' (from Proto-Germanic '*rauthaz'), which itself comes from the Proto-Indo-European root '*reudh-'. Through Middle English it developed into the modern English word 'red'.
Initially, it meant 'red, ruddy' referring to color; over time that core meaning remained while metaphorical senses developed, including emotional (anger), political (communist), and financial (debt) uses.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the color red (used as a noun to refer to the color itself).
Red is my favorite color.
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Noun 2
a person who supports communism or radical left politics (often used in the plural, 'the Reds').
The Reds seized control during the revolution.
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Adjective 1
of the color at the end of the visible spectrum next to orange and opposite violet; like the color of blood, cherries, or rubies.
She wore a red dress to the party.
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Adjective 2
angry (often used in phrases such as 'red with anger' or 'seeing red').
He turned red with anger when he heard the news.
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Adjective 3
relating to communism or radical left politics (informal).
During the Cold War, being called 'red' could damage a politician's career.
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Adjective 4
in debt or operating at a loss (used especially in the phrase 'in the red').
After a poor quarter the company was still in the red.
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Last updated: 2025/09/05 19:11