3 Colors That Represent Confusion (Gray, Purple, Turquoise)

colors that represent confusion

Being confused refers to a state of indecisiveness due to disorientation. This feeling can be represented by the colors gray, turquoise, and purple.

A person who is confused usually cannot think clearly, becomes absent-minded, and will have a hard time maintaining focus.

Gray represents confusion because it’s half-way between the polar opposites of white and black. Turquoise can symbolize confusion because of its depth and vibrance. Purple is a color of confusion because it’s a blend of cool and warm colors, making it a confounding color blend.

Gray As A Color Of Confusion

gray color meaning

Gray represents confusion because it’s halfway between the polar opposite colors of white and black.

White and black are polar opposites in both color spectrum and symbolism. White is the absence of any color, and signifies light, purity innocence. Black, on the other hand, is the presence of all colors, representing darkness, evil, and sin.

It does not come as a surprise then, that the mixture of these two colors, which is gray, has been typically associated with ambiguity, neutrality, uncertainty, skepticism, and confusion.

At first glance, gray appears to be a cold and detached color. It manages to stand right in between white and black and has distanced itself from the qualities of either color.

But the darker shades tips the scale more to the side of black. Thus, long exposure to this kind of gray shade can have a heavy effect on a person’s psyche, causing moods and emotions to turn negative.

On the positive side, gray can also represent wisdom, maturity, experience, and sophistication.

After all, one of the earliest signs that we associate with aging is gray hair. Gray is perceived as earnest, intellectual, cultured, and scholarly, which makes it a popular color in formal wear, such as business suits, evening gowns, and neckties.

Gray also gives off a quiet and private vibe, like someone preferring to stay by himself in a quiet corner rather than socializing or interacting with others.

This is why it is difficult to mix and match gray with other colors other than its parent shades, which are white and black. It is seen as aloof, reserved, and unapproachable, just like a brick wall.

Because gray does not take sides and refrains from making decisions, it is often related to ambiguity and confusion. In the English language, there are many references in proverbs and idioms about gray to this effect:

  • All cats are gray in the dark mean that everyone looks the same at night because it is difficult to distinguish one person from another when vision is impaired
  • Gray area refers to a topic or point of discussion that is indefinite or inconclusive
  • Gray out is to cover up or remove certain pieces of information that causes the whole material to be confusing or misleading

See Also: Gray Dove Symbolism

Turquoise As a Color Of Confusion

turquoise color meaning

Blue is a cool and peaceful color that brings to mind the vastness of the sea and the sky. It is a good color to bring clarity and peace of mind, as well as to cool down emotions and regulate moods.

But some shades of blue, such as turquoise, can be associated with confusion, impatience, and impudence, especially when overdone.

When used in moderation, turquoise can be soothing and calming, just like other shades of blue. That is why in several countries, it has been used to represent power, riches, and opulence.

Turquoise is also visionary and spiritual. Because of these attributes, it has become a symbol of protection in ancient Persia and as being used to ward off negative energy and evil spirits.

In color psychology, this shade is energizing and invigorating. Normally, it signifies balance as it treads the line between blue and green. It also gives off an approachable and carefree feeling, while also helping heal and calm the spirit.

But overuse of turquoise can be distracting, either causing mental and emotional imbalance or indecisiveness in a person.

Purple As A Color Of Confusion

purple color meaning

Purple is a cross between warm and cool colors because of its origin. It is created by combining red, which is a warm color, and blue, which is a cool color.

Darker shades of purple are commonly associated with royalty, power, wealth, and authority. But sometimes, they are also used to signify uncertainty, turmoil, restlessness, and bewilderment.

The shade itself is also embroiled in confusion, as people often interchange purple with violet and vice versa since they are similar in appearance especially to the naked eye.

Technically, only violet is the “real” color, because it exists in the color spectrum and has its own wavelength. Purple, on the other hand, can be created manually, thus it can be converted into different shades while there is only one version of violet.

Purple is perceived as mysterious and ambivalent, but people are often puzzled whether it should be linked with the aggression and power of red, or with the more toned-down, calm, and steady nature of blue.

In the color spectrum, purple is situated right in the middle of red and blue.

It is also involved in controversial and polarizing discussions. One example is the duplicity of representing religious devotion in Church, while also being used to signify gender fluidity, seduction, and experimentation which are against the teachings of the church.

Another is its association with royalty, power, and nobility, while at the same time it is also used for political movements that challenge power and authority.

Conclusion

Lack of clarity in a person’s life or mindset can create a lot of disruption in the regular, day-to-day activities that one encounters.

While it is a natural state of mind that can occur from time to time, having it happen too frequently is usually an indication that something is wrong.

A change of lifestyle may be called for, or maybe even a trip to the doctor. The colors that represent confusion are actually confusing in and of themselves. All of them are results of the combination of two other colors that often have contradicting characteristics.

Thus people are often conflicted as to what attributes to assign to each color. When choosing a color to represent confusion, it is best to carefully study the situation and the nature of the discussion before applying your chosen color.