green
green
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "green" is /ɡriːn/.
green: /ɡriːn/
Word Form Variations
Adjective: green, greener (comparative), greenest (superlative)
Noun: green (singular, countable or uncountable), greens (plural)
Verb: green (base form), greens (third person singular present), greened (past tense, past participle), greening (present participle)
Adverb: greenly (less common)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective
Green
Of the color between blue and yellow in the spectrum; the color of grass and leaves.
Synonyms: verdant, emerald, lime, olive (specific shades)
Antonyms: (no direct antonyms; refers to a color)
Concerned with or supporting environmental protection; environmentally friendly.
Synonyms: eco-friendly, sustainable, environmentally conscious, ecological
Antonyms: polluting, unsustainable, environmentally damaging
Not fully developed or experienced; immature or naive.
Synonyms: inexperienced, naive, raw, unseasoned, callow
Antonyms: experienced, mature, seasoned, expert, wise
(Of fruit or vegetables) unripe.
Synonyms: unripe, unready, immature
Antonyms: ripe, mature, ready
Noun
Green
The color green.
Synonyms: verdancy, emerald hue
Antonyms: (no direct antonyms; refers to a color)
A common or public area of grass, often in the center of a village or town.
Synonyms: lawn, common, park, village green
Antonyms: pavement, street, building
(Greens, plural) Leafy green vegetables, often cooked.
Synonyms: leafy vegetables, produce, collards, spinach (specific types)
Antonyms: meat, grain (other food categories)
(Golf) The putting green; the area of finely cut grass surrounding each hole on a golf course.
Synonyms: putting green, links, course (part of)
Antonyms: fairway, rough
Verb
Green
To become or make green.
Synonyms: color green, tint green, verdure
Antonyms: fade, whiten, discolor
To make (a system, industry, etc.) more environmentally friendly.
Synonyms: ecologize, sustain, make sustainable, make eco-friendly
Antonyms: pollute, degrade, harm the environment
Adverb
Greenly (less common)
In a green manner or color; with a green hue.
Synonyms: verdantly, emeraldly
Antonyms: dully, palely
In an inexperienced or naive manner.
Synonyms: naively, innocently, immaturely
Antonyms: expertly, maturely, wisely
Examples of Use
Books
Children's Books: Many stories feature the color "green" or nature. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss is a classic example (Random House, August 1960).
Non-fiction (Environmental Studies): Authors discuss "green energy," "green living," or the "green movement." Silent Spring by Rachel Carson significantly contributed to the "green movement" (Houghton Mifflin, September 1962).
Fiction: Descriptions often include the color "green." "The rolling green hills stretched into the distance." A character might be described as "green" (inexperienced) in a new job.
Cookbooks: Recipes often feature "green vegetables" or "leafy greens."
Newspapers
News Articles: Journalists report on environmental policies, using "green" to denote sustainability. A headline might read, "Cities Embrace Green Infrastructure Initiatives" (The Guardian, June 2025). Political articles may discuss "Green Party" policies.
Business Sections: Reports cover "green investments," "green technology," or companies adopting "green practices."
Lifestyle Sections: These might feature articles on "green cleaning products" or "green home improvements."
Sports Sections: In golf, articles often refer to the putting "green."
Online Publications
Environmental Websites: Organizations like Greenpeace or WWF use "green" extensively in their advocacy and reports on "green solutions" for climate change. "Support our efforts for a greener future."
E-commerce Sites: Products are often marketed as "green," "eco-friendly," or "made with green materials." "Shop our range of green household cleaners."
Blogs: Food blogs might share recipes for "green smoothies." Travel blogs could highlight "green travel destinations."
Social Media: Users post about their "green initiatives," share tips for sustainable living, or show photos of lush "green" landscapes. Hashtags like #GoGreen or #GreenLiving are popular.
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Movies/TV Shows: Characters might wear "green" clothing. Documentaries focus on "green energy solutions" or environmental issues. "The Incredible Hulk" is a famous "green character."
Music: Song lyrics often reference the color "green" for nature, money, or envy. "It's not easy being green" (Kermit the Frog).
Video Games: Many games feature vibrant "green" landscapes or incorporate "green energy" as a resource. "Explore the lush green forests of the virtual world."
Sports Broadcasts: Golf commentators frequently refer to shots landing on the "green."
Podcasts: Environmental podcasts discuss different aspects of a "green economy."
General Public Discourse
Conversations: In daily speech, people commonly say, "The traffic light turned green," or "We're trying to be more green." "He's still a bit green at his new job." "Eat your greens!"
Workplace: Discussions might involve implementing "green policies" or using "green technology."
Education: Students learn about photosynthesis and why plants are "green." Environmental studies classes focus on "green solutions."
Driving: Drivers pay attention to "green lights."
Figurative Use: "Green thumb" (talent for gardening) or "give the green light" (give permission) are common. "My grandmother has a real green thumb."
10 Quotes Using Green
"It's not easy being green." (Kermit the Frog, The Muppet Show)
"The future is green." (Popular Slogan)
"Every single blade of green grass holds a universe of intricate life."
"True personal growth begins when your spirit stays forever green and adaptable."
"He found profound solace in the quiet, untouched beauty of the green forest."
"A healthy planet genuinely means a green and thriving tomorrow for all generations."
"The color green instinctively brings a sense of calm and vibrant renewal to the soul."
"Innovation must always aim towards building a more sustainable, truly green world."
"Even a small seed of unwavering hope can ultimately turn a barren land green with life."
"She carried the cherished memory of the rolling green hills wherever she traveled."
Etymology
The word "green" comes from the Old English word "grēne," which referred directly to the color of growing plants. It has deep roots in ancient Germanic and Indo-European languages, all related to concepts of growing, flourishing, and verdant vegetation.
The first known use of "green" in English, with the meaning of "the color of fresh grass or leaves," dates back to before the 9th century. It appeared in texts referring to the distinctive color in nature, and this core meaning has remained consistent. Over time, it also came to describe immaturity (like "green" fruit) and, more recently, environmental concerns.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Green
Green thumb: A natural talent for gardening. "My grandmother has a real green thumb."
Green light: Permission to go ahead with a project or plan. "The project was given the green light to proceed."
Green-eyed monster: Jealousy or envy. "He couldn't hide the green-eyed monster when his friend got promoted."
Green with envy: Extremely jealous. "She was green with envy over his new car."
Greenhorn: An inexperienced or naive person; a novice. "He's still a bit of a greenhorn when it comes to coding."
Green around the gills: Looking pale and sick, often from nausea. "After the boat ride, he was looking green around the gills."
Green power: Electricity produced from renewable energy sources. "Many homes are switching to green power options."
Go green: To adopt environmentally friendly practices. "Our office is trying to go green by reducing waste."
Green belt: An area of open land around a city where development is restricted. "The city council voted to protect the green belt."
Green shoots: Early signs of recovery or growth, especially in an economy. "Economists are looking for green shoots in the housing market."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of green from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
