Dictionary monolingual
English
Colour
ˈkʌlə
Extremely common
600 - 700
600 - 700
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Colour -
Characteristic of an object or substance that is perceived through the eyes resulting from the way it reflects or emits light
Example: The sky is a beautiful shade of blue today.
Usage: formalContext: describing visual appearance
Note: This is the most common meaning of 'colour' and is used to describe the appearance of things.
A particular shade, tint, or hue of a color
Example: She painted her room in a light pink colour.
Usage: formalContext: discussing specific shades or tones
Note: This meaning is often used when talking about specific colors or when describing the nuances of a color.
To influence, affect, or distort the perception of something
Example: His bias coloured his judgment on the matter.
Usage: formalContext: discussing influence or bias
Note: This meaning is more figurative and is used to describe how something can impact perception.
Colour's synonyms
hue
Hue refers to a particular shade or tint of a color.
Example: She painted the room in a vibrant hue of blue.
Note: Hue is more specific than the general term 'color' and often used to describe a particular shade or tone.
shade
Shade refers to a variation of a color by adding black to it.
Example: The artist used different shades of green to create a realistic landscape.
Note: Shade specifically refers to the darkening of a color by adding black, whereas 'color' is a broader term encompassing all variations.
tint
Tint refers to a variation of a color by adding white to it.
Example: The walls were painted in a soft pink tint.
Note: Tint specifically refers to the lightening of a color by adding white, whereas 'color' is a more general term.
tone
Tone refers to the overall character or quality of a color.
Example: The painting had a warm tone due to the use of earthy colors.
Note: Tone is more about the overall effect or mood of a color, whereas 'color' is a broader term referring to the visual aspect.
Colour expressions, common phrases
In living color
This phrase means something is being shown in color rather than black and white, making it more vibrant and lifelike.
Example: The parade was shown on TV in living color.
Note: The phrase 'in living color' emphasizes the vividness and richness of colors, compared to the original word 'color'.
Off-color
When something is described as off-color, it means it is inappropriate, indecent, or in poor taste.
Example: His off-color jokes made some people uncomfortable.
Note: The phrase 'off-color' adds a connotation of inappropriateness or offensiveness that goes beyond the literal meaning of 'color'.
Technicolor dream
Refers to something vividly colorful, often used to describe dreams or artistic creations that are exceptionally vibrant.
Example: The artist painted a technicolor dream of a sunset.
Note: The phrase 'technicolor dream' suggests a heightened level of vivid and intense colors, evoking a sense of fantastical or surreal imagery.
With flying colors
To succeed easily and with great distinction or excellence.
Example: She passed the exam with flying colors.
Note: This phrase goes beyond just the literal aspect of colors and implies achieving success or excellence in a remarkable and outstanding manner.
True colors
Refers to someone's real or genuine character, especially when revealed in challenging or difficult situations.
Example: When things got tough, he showed his true colors.
Note: The phrase 'true colors' delves into the deeper aspect of character and authenticity, going beyond just the superficial aspect of colors.
Color outside the lines
To think or act in an unconventional or creative way, breaking free from traditional rules or norms.
Example: Don't be afraid to color outside the lines and think creatively.
Note: This phrase metaphorically uses 'color outside the lines' to encourage thinking beyond the usual boundaries or constraints, rather than just referring to literal coloring.
Show your true colors
To reveal one's real character, intentions, or qualities, especially in challenging or revealing situations.
Example: It's in times of crisis that people often show their true colors.
Note: Similar to 'true colors,' this phrase emphasizes the notion of revealing one's genuine self or nature, particularly in times of difficulty or adversity.
Colour everyday (slang) expressions
Technicolor
Technicolor refers to something vivid, bright, or colorful, often used to describe visual imagery.
Example: The party was so colorful, it felt like a scene from a Technicolor movie.
Note:
Technicolor yawn
Technicolor yawn is a humorous or euphemistic way to refer to vomiting, especially when it is colorful or intense.
Example: After too many drinks, he had a Technicolor yawn in the bathroom.
Note: The term 'Technicolor yawn' humorously plays with the idea of vibrant colors associated with the Technicolor film process, contrasting it with the unpleasant act of vomiting.
Colorful language
Colorful language refers to the use of strong, possibly offensive, language or swearing.
Example: He used some colorful language when he found out about the prank.
Note:
Color commentary
Color commentary refers to lively, entertaining commentary or remarks added to a broadcast, especially in sports.
Example: The game was so much better with his hilarious color commentary.
Note:
Color me impressed
Color me impressed is an informal way of expressing admiration or surprise at someone's achievement or action.
Example: You fixed the car all by yourself? Well, color me impressed!
Note:
Colour - Examples
The colour of the sky is blue.
She mixed different colours to create a beautiful painting.
The food colouring gave the icing a bright red colour.
Colour grammar
Colour - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: colour
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): colours, colour
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): colour
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): coloured
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): colouring
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): colours
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): colour
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): colour
Syllables, Separation and Stress
colour Contains 2 syllables: col • our
Phonetic transcription: ˈkə-lər
col our , ˈkə lər (The red syllable is stressed)
Colour - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
colour: 600 - 700 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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