Tawny: meaning, definitions and examples

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tawny

 

[ ˈtɔːni ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

color description

Tawny is a warm, sandy color, often associated with the shades of a wild animal's fur or the color of certain natural materials. It combines elements of brown, orange, and yellow, creating a hue reminiscent of autumn leaves or ripe wheat. The term is frequently used in literature and art to describe a specific shade that is both warm and earthy.

Synonyms

amber, brownish-yellow, tan

Examples of usage

  • The tawny lion rested under the sun.
  • She wore a lovely tawny dress to the party.
  • The tawny hues of the landscape created a serene atmosphere.

Translations

Translations of the word "tawny" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tawny

🇮🇳 तावनी

🇩🇪 taubengelb

🇮🇩 cokelat kekuningan

🇺🇦 підсмажений

🇵🇱 rudy

🇯🇵 黄褐色の

🇫🇷 fauve

🇪🇸 marrón

🇹🇷 tawny

🇰🇷 갈색

🇸🇦 بني فاتح

🇨🇿 tawny

🇸🇰 tawny

🇨🇳 黄褐色

🇸🇮 rjav

🇮🇸 brúnt

🇰🇿 сары-қоңыр

🇬🇪 ყვითელი-ყავისფერი

🇦🇿 tawny

🇲🇽 marrón

Word origin

The word 'tawny' has its roots in Middle English, derived from the word 'tawny,' which means 'tan' or 'light brown.' This term likely came from the Old French word 'tanné,' meaning 'tanned' or 'dried,' which relates to the process of treating animal hides. The association with color strongly links to the processes of nature and the appearance of various animals in their natural habitat. Over time, 'tawny' became popular in English literature as a descriptive term for animals, particularly in hunting and poetic contexts. The use of 'tawny' expanded to include descriptions of landscapes, fabrics, and even people, making it a versatile descriptor in the English language.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,537, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.