blue jasmine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSemi-formal to informal; used in horticultural contexts and popular culture.
Quick answer
What does “blue jasmine” mean?
The common name for a flower of the genus Plumbago auriculata, known for its clusters of pale blue flowers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The common name for a flower of the genus Plumbago auriculata, known for its clusters of pale blue flowers.
Common name for Plumbago auriculata, a semi-climbing shrub with phlox-like sky-blue flowers. It can also refer informally to the 2013 American drama film written and directed by Woody Allen.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The plant name is used in both varieties. The film title is internationally recognized. The British might be more likely to use the alternative name 'Cape plumbago' or 'Cape leadwort' for the plant.
Connotations
Horticultural in the UK/US; cinematic and psychological in the context of the film.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech in both varieties. Higher recognition in gardening communities and among film enthusiasts.
Grammar
How to Use “blue jasmine” in a Sentence
We planted a blue jasmine.Have you seen 'Blue Jasmine'?The blue jasmine is thriving.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in landscaping, nursery, or film distribution businesses.
Academic
Used in botany/ horticulture papers and film studies.
Everyday
Used by gardeners or in discussions about films.
Technical
The botanical name 'Plumbago auriculata' is preferred in scientific contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blue jasmine”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blue jasmine”
- Using lowercase for the film title.
- Confusing it with true jasmine (Jasminum).
- Assuming it is always a reference to the film in all contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is the common name for Plumbago auriculata, which is not a member of the Jasminum genus. It is called 'jasmine' due to some similar visual and fragrant qualities.
It is a 2013 drama about a wealthy New York socialite who suffers a mental breakdown and moves to San Francisco to live with her sister after her husband's downfall.
Yes, but as it is native to South Africa, it is not fully hardy and is often grown in conservatories or against sunny, sheltered walls. It may need winter protection.
The primary difference is in the final vowel sound. British English typically uses /ɪn/ (as in 'pin'), while American English often uses a schwa /ən/ (as in 'taken').
The common name for a flower of the genus Plumbago auriculata, known for its clusters of pale blue flowers.
Blue jasmine is usually semi-formal to informal; used in horticultural contexts and popular culture. in register.
Blue jasmine: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbluː ˈdʒæz.mɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌblu ˈdʒæz.mən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'Blue' for the sky-coloured flowers + 'Jasmine' for its similar fragrance/climbing habit, though they are different plants.
Conceptual Metaphor
BLUE JASMINE IS DECEPTIVE BEAUTY (referencing the film's theme and the plant's misleading common name).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'Blue Jasmine' most likely to refer to a work of art?