Chromatic: meaning, definitions and examples
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chromatic
[ krəʊˈmætɪk ]
color theory
The term 'chromatic' refers to colors, particularly those that are pure and not muted or desaturated. In color theory, it is often contrasted with 'achromatic,' which describes colors without hue such as black, white, and gray. Chromatic colors are vibrant and vivid; they can be combined in various ways to create harmonious palettes in art and design. The concept is also used in music to describe scales that include notes not part of the standard diatonic scale.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The artist chose a chromatic palette for her latest painting.
- The chromatic scale in music includes all twelve pitches.
- She wore a chromatic dress that caught everyone's attention.
- In the diagram, the chromatic spectrum shows various colors.
- He studied chromaticity in his photography class.
Translations
Translations of the word "chromatic" in other languages:
🇵🇹 cromático
🇮🇳 क्रोमैटिक
🇩🇪 chromatisch
🇮🇩 kromatik
🇺🇦 хроматичний
🇵🇱 chromatyczny
🇯🇵 色彩の
🇫🇷 chromatique
🇪🇸 cromático
🇹🇷 kromatik
🇰🇷 크로매틱
🇸🇦 كروماتيكي
🇨🇿 chromatický
🇸🇰 chromatický
🇨🇳 色彩的
🇸🇮 kromatičen
🇮🇸 litrótt
🇰🇿 хроматикалық
🇬🇪 ქრომატული
🇦🇿 kromatik
🇲🇽 cromático
Word origin
The word 'chromatic' comes from the Greek word 'chrōma', meaning 'color'. It entered the English language in the early 19th century, initially used in the context of color theory and art. The application of the term gradually expanded to musical contexts, where it denotes notes and scales that encompass a broader range than the traditional major or minor keys. This evolution reflects the increasing recognition of the interplay between color and sound, with both being fundamental elements of human perception and creativity. As technology and art have progressed, the meanings and applications of 'chromatic' have continued to develop, making it a versatile term in various fields, including psychology, design, and music.