azure

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a light shade of blue
  2. verb color azure
  3. adjective of a deep somewhat purplish blue color similar to that of a clear October sky

Etymology

From Middle English asure, from Old French azur, derived from Arabic لَازَوَرْد (lāzaward, “lapis lazuli”), dropping the l as if it were equivalent to the French article l'. The Arabic is from Classical Persian لاجورد (lājward, “lapis lazuli”), from the region of Lajward in Badakhshan. Compare with Italian azzurro and Spanish azul.

In classic literature

Synonyms

cerulean, sapphire, lazuline, sky-blue

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