What's the difference between "purple" and "violet" and how big is the difference?

The chief difference is one of nomenclature; specifically violet is the term for a portion of the visible light spectrum, occurring between 400 and 450 nanometers; and purple is the name we use to describe a blending of perceived color but is not a member of the named regions of the visible EM spectrum, contrary to what another said above, and in fact red is in the far opposite range of the visible light spectrum, also contrary to what was said above.








Picture it so:





400-450nm: Violet


450-500nm: Blue


500-570nm: Green


570-590nm: Yellow


590-610nm: Orange


610-750nm: Red





In terms of color pallettes and color ramps, and I refer to computer pallettes, again violet occurs in the regions furthest from red.





In terms of color mixing, purples are achieved by mixing blues and reds, whereas violets are, well, violets.





Lest this become confusing, let me hasten to clear it up in one sentence.





Purple is the result of mixing red and blue light,


Violet is a spectral color.





So, yes, there is a difference, rather there are quite a few differences.

What's the difference between "purple" and "violet" and how big is the difference?
you're quite welcome! ~smile





PS. millions of color combinations possible in color ramps.. that's confusing. Human eyes can discern a few hundred shades of grey...


that's amazing... it's all amazing... considering the tiny piece of the EM spectra we do see..





Ever dream in ultarviolet? Report It

Reply:not sure I think purple is darker than violet.
Reply:purple is a powerfull shade of red, violet results from the mixture of red and blue
Reply:Violet is a lighter shade of purple. There is not much difference.
Reply:The difference isn't big. But violet is a few shades lighter than purple.
Reply:The total range of absolute colors numbers in the millions. True purple sits between red and blue, violet is more on the blue side of the equation.





Here are some sources on color theory that will help you visualize the complexity of the subject:





http://www.worqx.com/color/





http://members.cox.net/mrsparker2/intro....





http://www.color-wheel-pro.com/color-the...
Reply:Purple is made from the primary colors blue and red. When you are to the bluer side, you have lavender. when you go toward the red element you get violet. There are only 3 primary colors and they are red, blue and yellow. All colors are made from these. Look at a crowd on TV from far away in the grandstands and you


will have a surprise at only seeing the colors all broken down to the 3 primary colors, red, blue and yellow!! @8=)
Reply:Purple lives 3 blocks away. Violet is in my bedroom. The difference? You just have to ask, don't you. ?