Colouring Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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colouring

[หˆkสŒlษ™rษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

art activity

Colouring refers to the act of adding color to a drawing or design, usually with crayons, markers, or pencils. It is often associated with children's activities but can also be a therapeutic practice for adults. Colouring promotes creativity and can enhance fine motor skills.

Synonyms

coloring, painting, tinting.

Examples of usage

  • She enjoys colouring in her sketchbook.
  • The children had a fun time colouring with crayons.
  • He found colouring to be very calming after a long day.
  • Colouring books have become popular among adults as a stress-relief activity.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Art History

  • In ancient times, people used natural pigments from plants and minerals to create colors for their art.
  • The practice of colouring books for fun became popular in the 19th century, allowing children to explore their creativity.
  • Famous artist Pablo Picasso explored colour in revolutionary ways, often changing a single piece of art by using different colours.

Education

  • Colouring helps develop fine motor skills in young children as they learn to control their hand movements.
  • Studies show that participating in arts and crafts, like colouring, improves childrenโ€™s emotional well-being and reduces stress.
  • Some schools include colouring activities to enhance children's focus and aid in learning other subjects, like math and language.

Psychology

  • Coloring has been found to have a calming effect on adults, similar to meditation, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
  • Different colours can evoke various emotions; for example, blue can make people feel calm, while red may invoke energy or excitement.
  • Therapeutic colouring, often used in art therapy, can help individuals process feelings and emotions in a creative way.

Pop Culture

  • Adult colouring books surged in popularity in the 2010s, featuring complex designs aimed at helping adults destress.
  • Movies and TV shows often feature scenes where characters engage in arts and crafts, including colouring, to show their playful side.
  • Countless apps exist today that allow users to digitally colour images, catering to both children and adults looking for relaxation.

Origin of 'colouring'

The word 'colouring' is derived from the Old French word 'colorer,' which means to give something color. This, in turn, comes from the Latin 'colorare,' formed from 'color.' The term has evolved over time, where 'colouring' in English predominantly referred to the application of color in various forms such as art and design. While the spelling 'colouring' is used in British English, the American English spelling is 'coloring.' The rise of colouring books and art therapy in recent years has revitalized the term, reflecting its significance in both childhood education and adult therapeutic practices.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,470, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.