Yellow Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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yellow

[ˈjɛloʊ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

color

Having a color like that of gold or the sun.

Synonyms

amber, blonde, gold, golden.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
yellow	Used figuratively to imply cowardice (negative connotation). He was too yellow to stand up to the bully Calling someone 'yellow' means you think they are cowardly
gold	Used for the precious metal or color that resembles it; often associated with wealth and luxury. She wore a necklace of pure gold The trophy was made of gold
golden	Describing a rich, shiny yellow color; can also imply something valuable or special. The sunset cast a golden glow He had a golden opportunity to advance his career
amber	Describing a specific, warm yellow-brown color; commonly used for gemstones, liquids like whiskey or honey, and traffic lights. The traffic light turned amber She admired the amber pendant
blonde	Referring to hair color, generally light yellow or golden-hued hair. She has long blonde hair The toddler's blonde curls were adorable

Examples of usage

The sunflowers in the field were a bright yellow.
She painted her front door a cheerful yellow.
The taxi was easy to spot with its bright yellow color.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

color

The color between green and orange in the spectrum; colored like ripe lemons or egg yolks.

Synonyms

gold, lemon, mustard, saffron.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
yellow	Yellow is a general term used to describe anything that is the color of sunshine. It can be used in a wide range of contexts, from describing the color of an object to a feeling of brightness and cheerfulness. The walls of the room were painted yellow She wore a yellow dress to the party
gold	Gold is often used to describe the precious metal or a color that has a shimmer and resembles the metallic shade. It conveys a sense of luxury, wealth, and value. She wore a stunning gold necklace The cat's fur had a subtle gold hue in the sunlight
lemon	Lemon refers to the bright yellow color of the fruit and can be used to describe something that has a fresh, zesty shade of yellow. It can also imply a tangy or sour feeling. She sipped on a glass of cool lemon water His shirt was the bright lemon color of a summer day
saffron	Saffron is a rich, reddish-yellow color named after the spice. It is often used in a context that implies exotic or luxury elements. The chef added a pinch of saffron to the dish for flavor and color Her dress was the deep saffron shade of an autumn sunset
mustard	Mustard is a darker, more subdued shade of yellow, often with a hint of brown. It can be used in fashion and design to create a retro or earthy feel. She bought a mustard-colored sweater for the fall season The interior design featured mustard tones to create a cozy atmosphere

Examples of usage

She wore a beautiful dress in shades of yellow.
The artist used various shades of yellow in his painting.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Studies show that the color yellow can evoke feelings of happiness and warmth, making it a favorite in branding.
Yellow can attract attention more than any other color, which is why it’s often used for warning signs.

Art and Culture

Vincent van Gogh famously used yellow in his paintings to convey brightness and joy, especially in works like 'The Sunflowers.'
In various cultures, yellow symbolizes different things; for example, it represents courage in Japan and prosperity in India.

Science

In the world of light, yellow is created by combining red and green wavelengths, showing how colors mix in nature.
Certain animals, like canaries and some species of fish, display vibrant yellow colors as a means of attracting mates or warning predators.

Pop Culture

'Yellow Submarine' is a famous song by The Beatles, symbolizing a fun and imaginative journey.
Animated characters, like Big Bird from Sesame Street, often sport yellow to appeal to children’s sense of joy and playfulness.

Origin of 'yellow'

Main points about word origin

The word 'yellow' originates from the Old English word 'geolu', which means yellow or golden.
In ancient languages, like Latin, the word 'flavus' was used to describe yellow hues, influencing modern terms.

The word 'yellow' originated from the Old English word 'geolu', which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'gelwaz'. The color yellow has been associated with sunshine, happiness, and energy. In various cultures, yellow is also a symbol of intellect and wisdom. Throughout history, yellow has been used in art, fashion, and design to evoke different emotions and meanings.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,743, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

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1740 findings
1741 narrow
1742 sugar
1743 yellow
1744 band
1745 arrangement
1746 consequence
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