Pronunciation: [pˈɜːpə͡l pˈasɪd͡ʒ] (IPA) 
"Purple passage" is a term used to describe a piece of writing that is overly ornate or flowery. When examining the spelling of this expression, it is important to note that the "ur" in "purple" is pronounced as /ɜr/, while the "a" in "passage" is pronounced as /æ/. The letters "p," "u," "r," and "l" in "purple" are all pronounced distinctly, while in "passage," the "ss" is pronounced as /s/ and the "g" is silent.
Purple passage refers to a section of writing that is marked by ornate, extravagant, and highly embellished prose. The term is often used to describe a subsection of a literary work where the language or descriptions are excessively flowery, verbose, melodramatic, or overly extravagant in nature, often resulting in a heightened and exaggerated style. A purple passage is characterized by its excessively ornamental language, filled with extravagant metaphors, hyperboles, and exaggerated figures of speech.
These passages tend to draw attention to themselves due to their emphasis on vivid and grandiose expressions rather than focusing on the overall coherence or substance of the text. Authors often employ purple passages to evoke strong emotional responses or create a sense of awe or grandeur. Purple passages are frequently found in romantic literature, historical accounts, and other forms of prose that aim to inspire and captivate readers through vivid and exaggerated imagery.
While purple passages can enhance the literary quality of a work, if overused or poorly executed, they may disrupt the natural flow of the text and come across as excessive or overly theatrical. Thus, writers must exercise caution in their use, striving to strike a balance between vivid description and coherence.
The term "purple passage" originated from the literary world in the 17th century. It comes from the use of the color purple as a symbol of richness, royalty, and grandeur. The word "purple" itself has a long history, dating back to the Ancient Greek word "porphura", which referred to a dye made from shellfish used to color fabric.
In literature, a "purple passage" refers to a section of writing that is overly elaborate, extravagant, or excessively ornate. These passages often contain flowery language, exaggerated descriptions, and vivid imagery. The use of purple in this context signifies the overuse of lavish and extravagant language, akin to the richness and opulence associated with the color itself.
The term "purple passage" has evolved over time to describe writing that is melodramatic, excessively descriptive, or overly self-indulgent.
