Quiz: Burgundy vs Maroon
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Burgundy vs maroon confuses people because both are dark, muted reds that can look nearly identical depending on lighting and screen. On top of that, “burgundy” itself is frequently misspelled as “burgandy.” Despite their closeness, the two colors have distinct undertones and separate origins.
| Term | Meaning | Undertone | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| burgundy | A deep purplish-red, named after Burgundy wine | Cooler, wine-like | She wore a burgundy dress to the gala. |
| maroon | A dark brownish-red, named after a chestnut-related French word | Warmer, earthier | The team’s uniforms were maroon and gold. |
| burgandy | No meaning; a misspelling of “burgundy” | — | Avoid: “a burgandy scarf.” |
What is “burgundy”?
Burgundy is a deep, dark red with a distinctly purplish undertone, named after the red wines of the Burgundy region in France. It sits between red and purple on the color wheel, giving it a rich, slightly cool character.
You will see burgundy in fall and winter fashion, wine labels, and interior design, where it pairs easily with gold, navy and deep greens. Because it shares its name with the wine, burgundy is often associated with elegance and sophistication.
What is “maroon”?
Maroon is a dark, muted red with a brownish undertone, giving it a warmer, earthier feel than burgundy. The name comes from the French word “marron,” meaning chestnut, reflecting its brownish-red character.
Maroon shows up frequently in school and team colors, autumn palettes and certain shades of brick or leather. Because of its brown undertone, maroon often reads as slightly duller or more muted than the richer, wine-like burgundy.
Is “burgandy” ever correct?
No. “Burgandy” is not a standard English word. It is a common misspelling of “burgundy,” likely caused by the unstressed vowel in the middle of the word, which can sound like an “a” when spoken quickly.
Spell checkers will typically flag “burgandy” and suggest “burgundy” instead. Linking the color to the French wine region, Burgundy, can help the correct spelling stick, since the color and the place share the exact same spelling.
Burgundy vs Maroon: How Can You Tell Them Apart?
Look at the undertone: burgundy leans purplish, giving it a cooler, wine-like quality, while maroon leans brownish, giving it a warmer, earthier quality. Side by side, burgundy often looks slightly richer and more saturated, while maroon looks a bit duller and more muted.
Lighting and screen calibration can make the two look very similar, so when precision matters, such as matching paint or fabric, it helps to compare physical swatches rather than relying on names or screen colors alone.
Burgundy vs Maroon: How Can You Remember Which One to Use?
Link “burgundy” to wine: both share the same name and the same deep, purplish-red character. Link “maroon” to chestnuts, reflected in its French root “marron,” giving it a brownish, earthy quality.
For spelling, remember that “burgundy” matches the French region’s name exactly, with a “u” in the middle, not an “a.”
What are common mistakes with burgundy vs maroon?
- ✗ She wore a burgandy dress to the gala.
✓ She wore a burgundy dress to the gala. - ✗ Burgundy and maroon are exactly the same color.
✓ They are closely related but have different undertones: burgundy is more purplish, maroon more brownish. - ✗ Maroon is named after a wine region.
✓ Burgundy is named after the wine region; maroon comes from the French word for chestnut. - ✗ All dark reds are called burgundy.
✓ Dark reds include several related but distinct shades, such as burgundy, maroon and oxblood. - ✗ The paint can was labeled “burgandy.”
✓ The paint can should be labeled “burgundy.”
What are some memory tricks?
- Burgundy = wine: cooler, purplish, named for the French wine region.
- Maroon = chestnut: warmer, brownish, from the French word “marron.”
- Spell it like the region: Burgundy the place and burgundy the color share the exact same spelling.
Frequently asked questions
Is “burgandy” a correct spelling?
No. The correct spelling is “burgundy,” matching the name of the French wine region it’s named after.
What is the main difference between burgundy and maroon?
Burgundy has a purplish, wine-like undertone, while maroon has a brownish, chestnut-like undertone.
Where does the word “maroon” come from?
It comes from the French word “marron,” meaning chestnut, reflecting the color’s brownish-red character.
Where does the word “burgundy” come from?
It comes from the Burgundy region of France, known for its deep red wines.
Are burgundy and maroon used in similar contexts?
Yes, both are popular in fashion, team colors and interior design, often chosen for their rich, deep red tones.
Conclusion
The difference in burgundy vs maroon comes down to undertone: burgundy leans purplish like wine, while maroon leans brownish like chestnut, and only “burgundy” is the correct spelling. Keep the wine-and-chestnut comparison in mind and you’ll never mix them up again. Share this with someone who mixes these up, then retake the quiz above to see what stuck.