Color Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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color
[หkสlษr ]
Definitions
visual perception
Color is the characteristic of an object or substance that is perceived by the eye as a result of the way it reflects or emits light. It is an essential part of the way we perceive the world around us.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| color |
General term used to describe all different types of colors. Suitable for everyday conversation.
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| hue |
Used to refer to a specific shade or tint of a color. Common in more technical or artistic discussions.
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| shade |
Refers to a variation of a color, typically when black is added to a color, making it darker. Often used in contexts related to art, design, and fashion.
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| tone |
Used to describe the quality, brightness or depth of a color. This term is often used in art, design, and discussions about creating different visual effects.
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Examples of usage
- The color of the sky is blue.
- She painted the walls in a bright color.
- His favorite color is green.
add color to
To color something is to apply pigments or dyes to it in order to change or enhance its appearance. Coloring can be done using various mediums such as paints, markers, or crayons.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| color |
Also used in a broader sense to refer to the category of hues that can be seen.
|
| paint |
Refers to applying a liquid, pigment-based substance to a surface, usually for artistic or decorative purposes.
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| dye |
Refers to adding color to a substance, typically fabric or hair, using a coloring agent.
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| tint |
Refers to a slight or delicate variation of color, often used in the context of small adjustments or gradations of a basic color.
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Examples of usage
- She colored the picture with bright markers.
- He colored his hair purple for the costume party.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Colors can influence emotions; for example, blue can create a feeling of calmness, while red can make you feel excited.
- Some studies show that people react differently to colors based on personal experiences and cultural backgrounds.
- The way we perceive color can change depending on context, such as surrounding colors, lighting, and environment.
Art and Design
- Color theory is an essential part of art, where artists use colors to express feelings, create depth, and attract viewersโ attention.
- In design, complementary colors are used to create contrast and make certain elements stand out.
- The use of color in art has evolved over the centuries, from ancient pigments to modern digital palettes.
Science
- Color perception is a complex process involving light waves and the way our eyes and brain interpret them.
- Different wavelengths of light correspond to different colors, ranging from long wavelengths (red) to short wavelengths (violet).
- Certain animals see colors differently; for instance, many birds and insects can see ultraviolet light, which is invisible to humans.
Cultural Significance
- Colors hold different meanings around the world; for example, white often symbolizes purity in Western cultures but mourning in some Eastern cultures.
- Many societies use colors in their flags and emblems to convey national pride and identity.
- Festivals often feature specific colors to represent themes or feelings; for instance, red during Chinese New Year symbolizes good luck and prosperity.
Origin of 'color'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'color' comes from the Latin 'color,' which means 'to color, or to dye.'
- Many languages have similar words for color, showing how important it is to human experience across cultures.
- Originally, colors were not just names for hues but often described properties like taste or emotions.
The word 'color' comes from the Latin word 'color' which means appearance, hue, or complexion. In the English language, the use of the word dates back to the 13th century. Throughout history, colors have held symbolic meanings in various cultures and have been used to convey emotions and messages.
See also: colorant, coloration, colored, colorful, colorfulness, coloring, colors, discolor, discoloration, discolored, discoloring, multicolored.