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What does gray color mean in psychology?

What does gray color mean in psychology?

March 29, 2024

When we hear of someone who is "a gray person" or who has had "a gray day", it is usually referring to the existence of qualities such as sadness or monotony and the lack of illusion. On the other hand, it also expresses a certain continuity and trajectory.

The truth is that gray is a very particular color, which traditionally has been given a very neutral symbolism despite having a tendency to receive bad consideration. This symbolism and its association with certain elements and vital moments has caused the gray color to have a certain effect and meaning at the psychic level. What does gray color mean in psychology? Let's see it throughout this article.


  • Related article: "Psychology of color: meaning and curiosities of colors"

What is this color?

Before entering to evaluate the symbolic and psychological meaning that is usually provided to the gray color, it is appropriate to make a brief comment on what is the gray in question. First of all it should be noted that, as with the rest of the colors, gray is only the product of the perception by our retinas of the refraction or lack of this of certain wavelengths of light .

As in the case of black or white, we are faced with an achromatic color which is not perceived by the pigments present in our cones but is captured by our canes, which, more than the color, are dedicated to capturing the luminosity or amount of light present in the medium.


The gray is perceived due to an intermediate point between the capture of light and its absence, or the blocking of the first by some object. Technically and chromatically, the gray would be the midpoint or the mixture between white and black , although depending on the proportions it may be lighter or darker.

Due to its situation as a neutral point between the two extremes, it also has the peculiarity that it is its own complementary (although it has an interesting contrast on colors such as yellow).

But ... what exactly does the color gray mean?

  • Maybe you're interested: "What does the color black mean in Psychology?"

Symbolism and psychological meaning of gray

Although it is not one of the most appreciated colors, gray has and has had throughout history an interesting symbolism for the human being , largely due to its identification with elements of the same color.


It is a color whose meaning is neutral in principle but which easily happens to be seen as negative, and to which we psychologically associate certain connotations (as Eva Heller points out in her psychology of color). It is mainly associated with the color of gray hair (and therefore aging and age), ash and dust, as well as stone (which is not on earth). Also and although it is not exactly the same color, it is also linked to silver.

Most of the symbology associated with gray and the psychological effects that it usually generates in us its relationship with these elements, as well as being a neutral point between black and white (an intermediate point that not only refers to the chromatic but also to the symbolic of each of them), which in turn have both positive and negative connotations. And it is that if something is characterized especially gray color is to be the color neutrality, a neutrality that can also have positive and aversive connotations.

From a negative perspective, by associating with old age and age as well as gray ash is usually linked to the idea of ​​progressive loss, the nearness of the end . In this sense it can be associated with the inescapable and cruelty, as well as the passage of time.

It is the color most associated with the stone, from which life is not born (as in the case of the earth) but rather remains stable and immutable, in addition to transmitting a certain coldness and lack of heat. Although, as we have said, it is the color of neutrality, it can also be seen from a psychological perspective as indecision and weakness, as an inability to position oneself and even as repression (whether of one's own or of others') and fear.

The absence of chromatism also causes it to be linked to boredom (which can facilitate), monotony and routine, apathy and conformism and lack of ambition, strength and ability to fight. A lack of character and spontaneity, and emptiness. Another of its meanings at the psychic level is that of concealment, given that it allows for easy camouflage, and deterioration.

In addition to the above, it should also be noted that the fact that it is linked to a decrease in the level of luminosity also means that it is related to phenomena considered sad, such as rain, something that participates in the birth of expressions such as "gray day". It is associated with the idea of ​​a certain loss or reduction of something that was already there, a subtraction or diminution also negatively valued and that at a mental level is usually linked to sadness and melancholy as well as to avoidance (and in fact facilitates these mental states) ).

However, on the other hand, gray also has a much more positive affection and symbology: on the one hand, its relationship with age tells us about experience and wisdom, know how to be and sobriety (something that in turn generates a certain sense of tranquility and some protection). It is related to elegance and the ability to reflect.

Its neutrality, from a positive perspective, is also linked to the ability to value different points of view and to remain impartial . That said, another of its meanings is the idea of ​​permanence, seriousness and tradition, and its resemblance to silver gives a sense of value. It is also a color related to science and objectivity.

It is also linked to modesty and intelligence, as well as self-control, respect and tranquility, favoring communication and the search for equity in it. Generally this kind of meaning tends to occur more when gray has a whiter and brighter hue.

The use of gray color in day to day

The symbolism of gray it is not merely ideological, but also has an application in a great diversity of sectors .

At the marketing level, it is usually used to represent stability, success and experience, something linked to the desire to project reliability and security. We must also bear in mind that it is linked to elegance and success, as well as the memory of past times. That is why it is usually used by those brands with greater antiquity or those that seek to represent classic values. For example, brands of cars or jewels of great projection. His connection with science also makes gray a frequent color in technology brands.

When worn on clothing it can be used as a concealment mechanism or to avoid excessive attention, or to appear sober. It can also be used to enhance concrete and eye-catching elements of the wardrobe (for example, generating contrast) or the image itself (like the eyes).

In addition, when it is used in painting, it is often used to combine it with other colors to provide a mixture of expressivity and containment or to look for formal and disciplined environments. That is why it is common in the business world, although generally looking for contrasts.

Bibliographic references:

  • Heller, E. (2004). Color psychology. How colors act on feelings and reason. Editorial Gustavo Gill.

Your Favorite Clothing Color Reveals A Lot About You (March 2024).


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