colour1 nouncolour2 verbcolour3 adjective
colourcol·our1 British English, color American English /ˈkʌlə $ -ər/ ●●● S1 W1 noun 
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- I like nice bright colours like yellow and pink
- Look carefully at the rear door. It's not quite the same colour as the rest of the car.
- The chameleon is able to change colour to protect itself.
- What's your favourite colour?
- What colour is his hair?
- You can't judge people by the colour of their skin.
- Also its high resolution colour display means that the reader can use computer graphics to enhance articles or illustrations within the publication.
- I was thinking of the colour of her hair: Daniel, you may remember, alluded to her as a redhead.
- Keep drinking until it pales in colour.
- One of the most popular has been carnelian, which owes its reddish colour to the presence of iron oxide.
- Print quality was very good, with crisp, sharp text and well balanced colour graphics.
- River Island's creative combinations of design, rich colour and new fabrics build a versatile wardrobe for autumn/winter.
- The yellow tomatoes have a standard tomato flavour and provide an excellent colour contrast in salads.
THESAURUS
red, blue, yellow etc: · Blue is my favourite colour.· Matisse was famous for his use of colour.
a particular type of a colour: · The dress is a light shade of pink.· He uses different shades of green.
literary technical a particular colour or shade of a colour: · Her face had lost its golden hue.
a small amount of a colour in something that is mostly another colour: · He wears sunglasses that have a pinky-orange tint.
one of the many different shades of a colour, each slightly darker, lighter, brighter etc than the next: · Carpets in neutral tones give a feeling of space.
dark colours used about a colour that is strong and fairly close to black: · a dark blue suit· His eyes are dark brown.
fairly dark – often used when you think this colour looks attractive: · His eyes were a beautiful deep blue.· deep red lips
used about a colour that is fairly dark in a way that gives a pleasant feeling of warmth: · The walls were painted a rich red colour.
light colours used about a colour that is not dark: · a light blue sweater· His T-shirt was light green.
used about a colour that is very light: · He has very pale blue eyes.
used about a colour that is light in a way that is attractive because it is not too obvious: · She wears soft colours such as cream, which match her complexion.
used about a colour that has a lot of white in it: · The girls wore pastel pink sundresses.
bright colours used about a colour that is strong and easy to see: · The front door was painted bright red.
used about a colour that is very bright: · I looked out at the brilliant blue sky.· vivid red flowers
British English, colorful American English used about things that have many different bright colours: · There were window boxes full of colourful flowers.
British English, multicolored American English used about things that have a pattern of many different bright colours: · A multicoloured flag waved in the midday sun.
too brightly coloured, in a way that is unattractive: · The wallpaper was much too gaudy for me.· a garish orange tie
Longman Language Activatora colour British /color American · What's your favourite colour?· I like nice bright colours like yellow and pink· What colour is his hair?· Look carefully at the rear door. It's not quite the same colour as the rest of the car.· The chameleon is able to change colour to protect itself.
a particular type of one colour, which is darker or lighter than other types of the same colour: · When buying make-up, choose the right shade to match your skin.shade of blue/green etc: · Valerie's eyes are a beautiful shade of blue.· In the fall, the woods are full of countless shades of brown, yellow and orange.
a small amount of a particular colour in something that is mostly another colour: · The sun shining on her head gave her hair an attractive red tint.· The glass had a bluish tint to it, like ice.· It was October, and the leaves had begun to take on their warm autumn tints.
a vivid colour is very bright and noticeable, especially in a way that is attractive: · a vivid blue sky· a cloud of vivid yellow butterflies
a colour or a shade of a colour: · The Prince wore majestic robes of a rich purple hue.
British /coloring American the colour of a person's or animal's hair, skin, or eyes: · This lipstick is perfect for your coloring.· People with very light colouring need to protect themselves from the sun as they burn easily.· Many poisonous animals have distinctive coloring that is easily recognized.
to be a particular colour: be red/green etc · The Japanese flag is white with a red circle in the middle.· Frogs are green, toads are brown. That's how you tell the difference.· "What colour is your car?'' "It's black.''
British /colored American having one or more colours and not black or white: · The front door was painted blue and had a coloured glass panel in it.· You can make Christmas decorations from almost anything -- beads, colored ribbons, sea shells -- anything.brightly coloured: · The cages were full of brightly- coloured tropical birds.
glass that is tinted has a slight colour, so that people cannot see through it, so that light does not shine too brightly through it: · The limousine had tinted windows, so we couldn't see who was inside.blue-tinted/green-tinted etc: · She wore a pair of pink-tinted glasses.
brightly coloured a bright colour is strong and very easy to notice: · The artist clearly loved bright colours.· If you are cycling at night, always wear something bright.bright blue/red/yellow etc: · The front door was painted bright red.· a bright yellow van
British /colorful American having a lot of different colours, especially bright colours: · The garden was full of colourful and fascinating flowers.· That's a really colourful tie you're wearing.· Stunning tropical fish swim in and out of the colorful rock formations.
: brilliant white/blue/green etc so bright that it almost hurts your eyes to look at it: · a brilliant blue sky· The room was painted a brilliant white.
British /multicolored American having several different colours, especially bright colours: · A giant multicoloured flag waved in the midday sun.· A group of women sat around talking, their multi-coloured dresses radiant.
something that is gaudy has too many different colours or is too brightly coloured, with the result that it looks cheap and in bad taste: · I didn't like the decorations - they looked rather gaudy.· She smelled of cheap perfume and wore gaudy clothing and fake costume jewellery.
too brightly coloured in a way that is unpleasant to look at: · Her hair had been dyed a garish shade of red.· The streets are lined with garish neon signs.· The traditional designs have been replaced by much more garish colours.
vibrant colours are very bright and strong - used when you like these colours very much: · the vibrant reds and oranges of the leaves in autumn· The streets of the capital are vibrant with color.
lurid colours are too bright and look very unattractive - used when you dislike these colours: · The carpets were a lurid shade of green.
light colours light colours are closer to white than to black: · They both have brown hair, but Tina's is slightly lighter.light blue/green/orange etc: · This is a nice jacket and we also do it in a light green.
very light in colour: · There were dark rings under her eyes and her skin was paler than usual.pale pink/green/blue etc: · Her dress is pale pink, with a small flowery pattern.· The old man's pale blue eyes moved from the dartboard to the bar and then back again.
use this about the colour of people's hair and skin: · Someone with fair skin like you should probably use a stronger sunscreen.fair-haired/fair-skinned: · The Indians were at first frightened of the fair-skinned Europeans.
pastel colours, especially pink, yellow, green or blue, are soft and light and not at all bright: · Before the baby was born Jenny bought some pretty, pastel baby clothes.· Mrs Singh preferred saris in pastel colours, such as salmon pink.
if something is faded , it is a lighter colour than it was originally because of being affected by the sun, washing, or age: · The woman wore a faded blue dress and old brown sandals.· Joe dropped a faded newspaper picture on Woodward's desk.
dark colours dark colours are closer to black than to white: · She has beautiful dark brown eyes.· If you're going to have such dark walls I really think you should have a pale carpet.· "What do you think of this blouse?'' "It's a bit dark -- navy doesn't really suit you.''
deep colours are strong, dark, and attractive: · I'm looking for a deeper shade of purple to paint the bedroom.deep blue/red/purple etc: · She looked into his eyes. They were deep blue.· In the lounge hung long curtains of luxurious deep red velvet.
dark and giving a pleasant feeling of comfort and warmth: · I admired the warm, rich colors of her Persian rugs.· The horse had a rich chestnut coat.
having no colour British /colorless American · Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas.· He stared out the window at the colorless sky.
photograph/film/television British /color American showing pictures in all colours, not just in black, white, and grey: · You need a colour television to fully appreciate nature programmes.· Does your new computer have a colour monitor?· The outstanding feature of this book is its 45 full-page color photographs.in colour (=showing all the colours): · All the pictures are in color.
: black and white television/photograph/film etc one that has a black, white, and grey picture, not colours such as blue, red and yellow: · Black and white TV sets are now very cheap to buy.· I love the old black-and-white movies.· an exhibition of black and white photosin black and white (=showing only black, white, and grey): · "Is the film 'Casablanca' in colour?'' "No, it's in black and white.''
technical monochrome pictures have no colour, and use only black, white, and shades of grey: · There were some beautiful monochrome pictures of Yosemite.in monochrome: · McCullin still prefers to shoot in monochrome.
to change the colour of something British /color American to put colour into something: · Last time I tried to colour my hair it turned red!· Marigold petals were once used for colouring butter and cheese.colour/color something in (=colour inside the lines of a picture): · Josie sat at the table coloring in her picture while her father made the dinner.
to change the colour of material or hair by using a special coloured liquid: · I'm bored with this skirt. I'm going to dye it.· Wool and silk are the materials that are easiest to dye.dye something blue/yellow/red etc: · She's dyed her hair red -- it looks so unnatural.
to use chemicals to make the colour of material or hair lighter: · To play the part, Kensit had to bleach her hair and gain 20 pounds.· I'm going to bleach these curtains and see if I can get the stains out.
to lose colour if a colour or coloured material fades , its colour becomes paler, for example because it has been in sunlight for a long time: · Over the years the green paint had faded.· Your natural hair colour begins to fade as you grow older, and eventually you go grey.
British /lose its color American if a material or object loses its colour , the colour comes out of it, especially because of the effects of washing or sunlight: · Will this shirt lose its colour if you wash it?· Red onions lose their color when cooked.
if the colours run on a piece of clothing when you wash it, some of the colour goes from one part of it and onto another part of it because the water is too hot: · It is usually advisable to wash new clothes separately as they tend to run.
people of a particular race or nationality one of the main groups of people in the world, who have the same colour of skin and physical appearance as each other: · People should be treated equally, regardless of their race, age, or sex.· people of all races and religions· Studies are under way to find out why men of some races are more prone to some forms of cancer than others.race relations (=the relationship between people of different races): · The group is working to improve race relations in our cities.
British /color American the colour of someone's skin, which shows which race they belong to, especially whether they are black or white: · People of all colors and nationalities were at the ceremony.· You can't judge people by the colour of their skin.
one of the group of people of a particular race or nationality who live in a place where there are other races or nationalities: · I couldn't tell her ethnicity from her last name.· Ethnicity should not be a factor in hiring decisions.· The Bay Area is a place where people of many ethnicities live together in relative harmony.
: ethnic group/ethnic minority a group of people of a particular race or nationality living in a place where most other people are of a different race: · The Indonesians of the city form a distinct ethnic group.· In the large cities of Africa, where different ethnic groups with many different languages are thrown together, people communicate in English or Swahili.ethnic origin/background (=the ethnic group that someone belongs to): · fighting in Bosnia between people from different ethnic backgrounds· In California it is illegal to refuse to do business with someone because of their race or ethnic origin.
WORD SETSAB, nounabdomen, nounaccommodation, nounAchilles tendon, nounAdam's apple, nounadaptation, nounadenoids, nounadrenalin, nounairway, nounambidextrous, adjectiveanatomical, adjectiveankle, nounantibody, nounantigen, nounanus, nounanvil, nounaorta, nounappendix, nounarch, nounarmpit, nounarterial, adjectiveartery, nounatrium, nounbaby tooth, nounback, nounbackbone, nounbandy, adjectivebarrel-chested, adjectivebeat, verbbelly, nounbelly button, nounbicep, nounbig toe, nounbikini line, nounbile, nounbiological clock, nounbiorhythms, nounbiped, nounbladder, nounblind spot, nounblink, verbblink, nounblood count, nounblood group, nounblood pressure, nounbloodstream, nounblood type, nounblood vessel, nounBO, nounbody clock, nounbody odour, nounbone, nounbone marrow, nounbowel, nounbow legs, nounbrain, nounbrainwave, nounbreast, nounbreastbone, nounbristly, adjectivebronchial, adjectivebronchial tube, nounbrow, nounbuck teeth, nounbullnecked, adjectiveburp, verbbust, nounbuttock, nouncanine, nouncapillary, nouncardiac, adjectivecardio-, prefixcardiovascular, adjectivecarotid artery, nouncartilage, nouncentral nervous system, nouncerebellum, nouncerebral, adjectivecervical, adjectivecervix, nounchamber, nounchange of life, nouncheek, nouncheekbone, nounchest, nounchin, nouncirculation, nounclavicle, nouncleavage, nounclitoris, nounclose-set, adjectivecoccyx, nouncochlea, nouncock, nouncollarbone, nouncolon, nouncolour, nouncolour-blind, adjectiveconception, nouncone, nounconnective tissue, nouncoordination, nouncornea, nouncortex, nouncough, verbcough, nouncowlick, nouncranium, nouncrook, verbcrotch, nouncrow's feet, nouncrutch, nouncry, verbcuticle, noundandruff, noundeep-set, adjectivedefecate, verbdefence mechanism, noundental, adjectivedentine, nounderrière, noundiaphragm, noundigit, noundigital, adjectivedimple, noundisc, noundominant, adjectivedouble-jointed, adjectivedribble, verbdrool, verbduct, nounduodenum, nounear, nouneardrum, nounearhole, nounegg, nounejaculate, verbelbow, nounenamel, nounendocrine, adjectiveentrails, nounepidermis, nounepiglottis, nounerect, adjectiveerection, nounerogenous zone, nounexcrement, nounexcreta, nounexcrete, verbexcretion, nounexpectorate, verbextremity, nouneye, nouneyebrow, nouneyelash, nouneyelid, nouneyesight, nouneye tooth, nounface, nounfallopian tube, nounfart, verbfart, nounfemur, nounfibre, nounfibula, nounfigure, nounfingernail, nounfingertip, nounfist, nounfive o'clock shadow, nounflat-chested, adjectivefoetal position, nounfolic acid, nounfollicle, nounforearm, nounforefinger, nounforehead, nounforeskin, nounframe, nounfunny bone, noungall bladder, noungallstone, noungastric, adjectivegenital, adjectivegenitals, noungland, nounglottis, noungonad, noungrey matter, noungroin, nounG-spot, noungullet, noungum, nounhair, nounhairless, adjectivehairy, adjectivehammer, nounhamstring, nounhand, nounhand-eye co-ordination, nounhandlebar moustache, nounhead, nounheart, nounheel, nounhiccup, nounhiccup, verbhip, nounHomo sapiens, nounhumerus, nounhymen, nounimmune, adjectiveimmune system, nounimmunity, nouninbred, adjectiveincisor, nounindex finger, nouninherit, verbinstep, nounintestine, nounin vitro fertilization, nouniris, nounIVF, nounjaw, nounjawbone, nounjowl, nounkidney, nounknee, nounknee cap, nounknuckle, nounlap, nounlarge intestine, nounlarynx, nounlash, nounlaugh lines, nounlaughter lines, nounleft-handed, adjectivelefty, nounlens, nounlid, nounlifeblood, nounligament, nounlip, nounlittle finger, nounliver, nounlobe, nounlong-sighted, adjectivelumbar, adjectivelung, nounlymph, nounlymph node, nounmammary, adjectivemammary gland, nounmanual, adjectivemarrow, nounmasticate, verbmatrix, nounmelanin, nounmelatonin, nounmember, nounmenopause, nounmenses, nounmenstrual, adjectivemenstrual period, nounmenstruate, verbmiddle ear, nounmiddle finger, nounmidget, nounmidriff, nounmilk tooth, nounmind, nounmolar, nounmucous membrane, nounmuscle, nounnail, nounnape, nounnasal, adjectivenavel, nounnervous, adjectiveneurology, nounneuron, nounniacin, nounnipple, nounnode, nounnodule, nounnostril, nounocular, adjectiveoesophagus, nounoral, adjectiveovary, nounoverbite, nounoviduct, nounpalate, nounpalm, nounpalpitate, verbpalpitations, nounpancreas, nounpassage, nounpatella, nounpectorals, nounpelvic, adjectivepelvis, nounpenetrate, verbpepsin, nounperiod, nounperiod pain, nounperspiration, nounperspire, verbphallus, nounpharynx, nounphlegm, nounphysical, adjectivephysiognomy, nounphysiology, nounphysique, nounpigeon-toed, adjectivepit, nounpituitary, nounplacenta, nounplasma, nounplatelet, nounpore, nounpotbelly, nounpremenstrual, adjectiveprepubescent, adjectivepressure point, nounprimal, adjectiveprivate parts, nounprognathous, adjectiveprostate, nounpuberty, nounpubescent, adjectivepubic, adjectivepudendum, nounpulmonary, adjectivepulp, nounpulse, nounpupil, nounquad, nounquadruplet, nounquin, nounquintuplet, nounradius, nounreceptor, nounrecessive, adjectiverectal, adjectiverectum, nounred blood cell, nounREM sleep, nounrenal, adjectiveretina, nounRhesus factor, nounRH factor, nounrib, nounrib cage, nounright, adjectiveright-handed, adjectiveright-hander, nounrigor mortis, nounring finger, nounrod, nounRoman nose, nounround-shouldered, adjectiverun, verbsalivary gland, nounsallow, adjectivescalp, nounscaly, adjectivescapula, nounsciatic, adjectivescrotum, nounsemen, nounseminal, adjectivesense, nounsense organ, nounsensory, adjectivesextuplet, nounshank, nounshin, nounshinbone, nounshoulder, nounshoulder blade, nounside, nounsinew, nounsinus, nounskeletal, adjectiveskull, nounsleep, verbsleep, nounsmall intestine, nounsneeze, verbsneeze, nounsnub nose, nounsnub-nosed, adjectivesoft palate, nounsolar plexus, nounsole, nounsphincter, nounspinal, adjectivespinal column, nounspine, nounspit, verbspit, nounspittle, nounspleen, nounspotty, adjectivesputum, nounsternum, nounsteroid, nounstirrup, nounstomach, nounstool, nounstubble, nounsubcutaneous, adjectivesuck, verbsuckle, verbsuckling, nounsweat gland, nounsystem, nountailbone, nountan, verbtan, nountanned, adjectivetarsus, nountartar, nountaste bud, nountear, nounteardrop, nounteat, nountemple, nountendon, nountestes, nountesticle, nountestis, nountestosterone, nounthickset, adjectivethigh, nounthorax, nounthroat, nounthumb, nounthumbnail, nounthyroid, nountibia, nounticklish, adjectivetoe, nountoenail, nountongue, nountonsil, nountooth, nountorso, nountouch, nountrachea, nountriceps, nountrunk, nountympanum, nounulna, nounumbilical cord, nounurethra, nounuterus, nounuvula, nounvagina, nounvascular, adjectivevein, nounvenous, adjectiveventricle, nounvessel, nounvestibule, nounvital, adjectivevocal cords, nounvoice box, nounvulva, nounwaist, nounwall-eyed, adjectivewax, nounwhite, nounwhite blood cell, nounwindpipe, nounwisdom tooth, nounwomb, nounwrinkle, verbwrist, nounyawn, verbyawn, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYadjectives
The wires are colour coded for easy identification. Most petrol stations use colour coding for different types of petrol. She passed with flying colours (=got very high marks). These fish are highly variable in color and pattern.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
· Our door was painted a bright green colour.
(=slightly red, green, blue etc)· The glass used for bottles is often a greenish colour.
(=a shade of blue, yellow etc)· I like bluey colours best.
(=strong and noticeable)· Bright colours look good in strong sunlight.
(=bright in a way that is exciting)· His paintings are known for their use of bold colours.
(=strong and beautiful or expensive-looking)· I love the rich colours in oriental rugs.
(=more like black than white)· People tend to wear dark colours to work.
(=dark and attractive)
(=one that matches other colours easily, for example white or cream)
(=not dark or strong)· Light colours make a room look larger.
(=pale blue, pink, yellow or green)
(=pleasant and containing some red, yellow, or orange)· The old farmhouse is beautifully decorated with warm colours.
(=pleasant and not very strong)
(=pleasant, not strong, and a little unusual)· Italian sweaters come in lovely subtle colours.
(=very bright in a way that looks unpleasant or funny)
(=loud and usually showing bad taste)
(=ones that are different from each other in a way that looks attractive)· You need to have one or two contrasting colours in the room.
(=ones that look nice together)· Plant the flowers in patches in complementary colours.
(=one that is the same as something else)· I bought some gloves and a scarf in a matching colour.
(=red, yellow, or blue)· Why are children’s toys always in primary colours?
verbs (=it is the same colour)· The colour in this tin of paint doesn’t match the walls.
(=is different from something in a way that is unattractive)· Do you think the colour of this tie clashes with my shirt?
(=loses colour and brightness)· The colour of the curtains had faded in the sun.
colour + NOUN (=the colours that you use in a room, painting etc)· Have you decided on a colour scheme?
(=the colours that exist or that you put together)· In autumn the leaves create lovely colour combinations.
(=a number of colours that you can choose from)· There’s a wide colour range to choose from.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES (=used in food)· I try to buy food that is free from artificial colours.
The wires are colour coded for easy identification. Most petrol stations use colour coding for different types of petrol. literary· After the rain, the desert bloomed in an explosion of color.
British English, food coloring American English· Dilute a little food colouring with water.
British English, hair color American English· Genes control characteristics such as hair colour and eye colour.
She passed with flying colours (=got very high marks).· Send us a colour photo of yourself.
· The book is fully illustrated with colour photographs.
British English, a color range American English:· These curtains are available in a much wider colour range.
(also the colour of your skin)· There is still discrimination on the basis of skin colour.
· a 32 inch colour television
These fish are highly variable in color and pattern.· They are yellow and blue in colour.· The edges of those fins are trimmed with the same blue colour.· Even those beautiful ones just by the beach. Blue and the colour of the sand.· Haematoxylin gives a bright blue colour and is suitable for visual comparisons, but the colour of the reagent prevents spectrophotometry.· The chevron is of silver lace with edging of dark blue facing colour.· It was a deep blue colour and had a matching hat like a tiny trilby, decorated with a feather.· Just as noticeable was the absence of the colour blue - the colour of imperial service.
· This is not simple mimicry, which would only entail being the same bright colour as a distasteful species.· It was high, and thick, and of a bright green colour.· Our door is painted a bright green colour with numerous messages using inappropriate language and phrases covering its exterior.· Their tart flavour adds piquancy and the bright colour looks stunning.· I awake at seven, amazed at myself, and bathe and dress in a bright colour.· The dream flashed across my mind in bright colour.· It is a smooth spreading sausage, similar in texture to a fine liver sausage, with a bright pink colour.· This type of pattern is usually white with each smaller diamond in the same bright primary colour.
· An old fragrance that's past its prime will become oily, strong-smelling, and may look darker in colour.· A dark colour applied thickly over lighter and brighter ones can be very exciting and dramatic.· It took its characteristic dark colour from the addition of roasted barley to it.· My favourite was the lightly spiced Cape Malay Rooibos Chai which had a pungent smell and dark colour.· Continue in plain knitting with dark colour.· It is very light in weight and its dark colour makes it almost invisible once in place.· The chevron is of silver lace with edging of dark blue facing colour.
· But being well rid of him and being able to forget him were horses of a very different colour!· I planned to amplify this change of mood by having different colour schemes.· Women can wear different colour tights, or a new scarf or shirt.· Grated crayon added to paint produces interesting effects and can give different shades of colour.· In the Himalayas there is a bamboo with each section of a different colour.· The postmodernist reaction to commodification is of different colour.
· Comprehensive ticket wallet including luggage labels, exclusive full colour street map of Amsterdam and detailed travel itinerary.· This new version looks and sounds superb with full blown 256 colour graphics and sound support.· Dye transfer a photographic colour print using special coated papers to produce a full colour image.· To find out obtain our comprehensive full colour brochure.· The women were dressed up, dramatic, bizarre, full of colour: Look at me!· Return the coupon today for a free full colour brochure and details of your nearest Atco Appointed Dealer.· Skilfully planned for most of the year it is full of colour.· Each guide also includes full colour underwater photographs illustrating the marine life you could expect to see.
· But she was not taken out of herself by the sweeping cosmic changes of light and colour.· We had one called Stumpy, a Dales short horn, light roan in colour, which we reared from a calf.· The terraces were flooded with water, reflecting light and colour from the sky.· They are lighter in colour and lower in density than basalts or andesites, and contain fewer dark minerals.· The substitute scroll is smaller, and the bark is noticeably lighter in colour.· Even the horn was of a much lighter colour than usual, although it had been gilded with silver.· Lindauer Brut £7.49 Made from the Pinot and Chardonnay grape this dry wine had a light golden colour.
· I had already begun an outline for another book and for that I needed some local colour in an Eastern bloc country.· Type B for 3 pers £4.75. Local colour All the time in the world!· More established resorts improve a lot on these standards, but perhaps offer less local colour and charm.· She had not gone unnoticed by Ron Barton of the True Brit who was, as always, in search of local colour.· Secondly the traditional dances and customs of a particular country that can give local colour and atmosphere to a plot or theme.· Their function is to supply realism or local colour, and for these purposes their use is perfectly legitimate.
· The woodwork is painted a pale stone colour throughout to complement the finely patterned wallcovering.· The front section of the vast Rathaus has been restored to its original pale sand colour.· The pale colour is usually white or yellow or orange and shows up vividly against the dark areas.· Her skin was a pale coffee colour.· One in particular, about a metre high, pale lemon in colour, was ornamented with neo-classical bandings in blue and gold.· Space was alive with ghostly curtains of light. Pale violet in colour, they waved gently in some invisible wind.· Her skin was a pale olive colour but absolutely clear and her magnificent eyes gave her face all the definition it needed.· Liquid colours are best used for painting and tinting, and where colours need to be paler.
· Following this they release blood into their eyes which turns them a dull red colour.· It was red in colour and had much bigger wheels than the ordinary farm cart.· The sensitivity can be improved and interference from other ions diminished by extracting the red colour with a solvent.· And that is why the virginia creeper plant turns a lovely red colour in the autumn.· This one's a funky deep red metallic colour - an extremely capable-looking instrument.· A lovely rich rust red colour, it retails at around £4.75 a kilo.· She was Altun, and so her hair was red - a colour like a brightly burning fire.· A good tasting apple with a good red colour.
· She was ready for Stephen promptly at eleven, wearing a summer dress of wild silk in a rich pink-peach colour.· Make caramel sauce by cooking butter and sugar in a pan until it turns a rich brown colour.· The result was a beautifully rich, uniform colour.· The rich colour came to her cheeks at the daring thoughts and she caught her breath sharply.· Inside, there are frescoes in rich colour typical of the best of late Byzantine work.· River Island's creative combinations of design, rich colour and new fabrics build a versatile wardrobe for autumn/winter.· They are also pressure impregnated with wood preservative to give rich colour and guaranteed life of 15 years without rotting.· A lovely rich rust red colour, it retails at around £4.75 a kilo.
· Alternatively, reverse colours, using dark green in feeder 1 and white or pastel colour in feeder 2, as illustrated.· Black and white and colour photos.· This allows real-life 3-D objects to be digitised in both black and white and colour.· Titanium white alkyd colour, Winsor & Newton.· Titanium white colour from Brera, Maimeri; no8 Bristlewhite brushes.· The format is A4 on newsprint, and is mainly black and white, with colour covers, keeping costs low.· It is not uncommon to find old goldfish that are pale lemon or even white in colour.
NOUN· The colour change can be obscured by dirt in the solution.· In well ventilated theatres it is unlikely that any colour change will occur unless accidental spillage should take place.· Arrange the colour changes so that each identical pair of rows is knitted with the same colour.· Again, a simple colour change in the test will tell you whether or not you are soon to be a mum.· He suggested that the colour changes observed by Moore were probably due to the trauma of transplantation rather than the change in diet.· Types of colour change Colour in fish is controlled by special skin cells called Chromatophores, which contain pigments.· The rotation of the colour changer can be adjusted to give slow or rapid colour change.· Dealing with this problem, many species have evolved various forms of colour change.
· You simply press the touch-pad which corresponds to your hair colour and the one which corresponds to your skin tone.· That's the promise of Contrasts High and Low lighting kits - the easy way to enhance your natural hair colour.· It can be brushed, combed or scrunched into your hair to enhance natural hair colour.· My hair colour doesn't affect me and I've never felt that people treat me as having lower than average intelligence.· The only roots Cilla has lost touch with are those of her natural hair colour.· The gene affects hair colour, and codes either for orange or for black.· The same thing is true in a different campaign for hair colour.· A woman peeks down her bikini bottom to remind herself of her true hair colour.
· Obviously, the best visualisation will be achieved with a colour monitor but one is not essential.· For a colour monitor, more than one bit is needed to describe each pixel, and there are two approaches to this.
· Paperback. 122 pages with colour photographs and illustrations.· It has an enticing colour photograph of palm trees and white sand.· It's full of great colour photographs and is all about endangered animals.· Correct colour photographs are difficult to achieve.· The exhibition is lavishly illustrated with colour photographs and features a moss garden composed entirely of local Ulster mosses.· He carried a colour photograph of his mill in the same way that others carry their wives and children.· From her handbag Blanche took out a colour photograph of Patricia Hoskin.· And, to whet your appetite, there are many delightful colour photographs.
· I sewed curtains and quilts and the boys were allowed to choose their own colour schemes and furnishings.· Inside, a subtle colour scheme of white or light pastel shades is complemented by cool tiled floors and modern facilities.· The much-loved dresser was the inspiration for the colour scheme that links all five storeys.· As you know, I decided to keep the same colour scheme as we have in Paris.· I planned to amplify this change of mood by having different colour schemes.· And with so much wood in the room, a natural colour scheme has been chosen to complement it.· You may like to experiment with colour schemes designed to display particular fish species to best advantage.
· The gene involved makes the dark pigment-melanin-that is responsible for skin colour.· Her grandmother never used the words white and black to describe skin colour.· I like to use cosmetics as close to my natural skin colour as possible.· It's merely a question of altering your foundation to match your skin colour.· Their skin colour, sexuality or hair hue is irrelevant.· These experiments show that at least one-third of landlords discriminate against ethnic minorities on grounds of skin colour.· For example, skin colour assigns individuals to racial statuses such as black and white but this merely reflects the conventions of particular societies.· Prescriptives now has a foundation to suit just about every skin colour.
· Another advertisement appears in the colour supplements aimed at recruiting people to mental health nursing.· A colour supplement had published one of her stories in a series by new authors.· Nobody could ever have thought that joining a cricket club was like opening a Sunday paper colour supplement.· Monday On this particular Monday morning, Adrian had the feeling that he had woken up in a colour supplement.· Without you the Sunday Times colour supplement would come out black-and-white.· Torn Sunday colour supplements made eyes at her from the railings.
· The arrival of the Mendip mast and colour television brought an added breadth to viewing in the West.· The rooms were actually quite luxurious with a shower, colour television and duvet covered bunk beds.· All bedrooms are of a high standard offering private facilities, satellite colour television, in-house movies and hospitality tray.· All have colour televisions, direct dial telephones and tea and coffee making facilities.· All rooms have central heating, colour television, tea/coffee making facilities, en suite or private shower.· Foreign imports such as colour television sets and hi-fi systems cram shop windows, catering to demands for conspicuous consumption.
VERB· They are mainly seen in pub gardens and street cafes on the continent to offer shade and add colour.· Several additional features can now be added like colour or photographs and the product starts to take on a more professional look.· Christmas ribbon and wax fruit can be added for colour.· However, weaving can also be used to add colour and interest to small area of garments.· One area where this has worked particularly well is the Chromascan department, which adds colour tints to the basic paint.· Too many evergreens can look boring, so plant just a few choice ones to add colour to dull areas.· They have added some colour and flair to our underground surroundings.· A little finely chopped fresh coriander may also be added for colour.
· It is without doubt the reddest of all the naked-eye stars, though binoculars are needed to bring out its colour properly.· Colour foods contain additives, such as carotene, which brings out the colour pigments in fish.· Are there well tendered plants and flowers in hanging baskets and window troughs bringing splashes of colour to the room?· Caltha palustris, the marsh marigold her in its single and double-flowered forms, brings sunny colour to the bog garden.· Confused, she lifted her face to his, a new kind of awareness bringing the colour to her cheeks.· You seem to have brought a bit of colour to our Jimmy's cheeks.
· The Red Sea guide is illustrated with full colour aerial photographs with overlays showing suggested underwater routes.· The exhibition is lavishly illustrated with colour photographs and features a moss garden composed entirely of local Ulster mosses.· Each coat of arms touched on is illustrated in full colour, and the augmentation is blazoned.· It is fully illustrated with colour photographs.
· The addition of iron oxide produced a darker brown colour in the glaze under reducing conditions.· One must produce an equivalent in colour.· Dye transfer a photographic colour print using special coated papers to produce a full colour image.· Metal is easily corroded, but the skill lies in producing an attractive colour which is even in tone and texture.· The resultant data is then merged by the software to produce the digitised colour images displayed on your screen.· This method produces the following colour differentiation in carbonate minerals: Calcite Varying through very pale pink to red.· Varying quantities of these colours can be blended to produce very high quality colour output.· Alternatively, manufacturers have recently produced a colour changer.
· Some places use colour coding to tell people where different things are.· Most Creation 6 users know how easy it is to use colour and colour variations when designing on the screen.· It is good practice in any event to use a colour that is specific to manual detergents.· If you use too much colour you can end up with something that looks like a fruit salad.· These cells will convey information about wavelength boundaries that could be used to compute true colour.· However, weaving can also be used to add colour and interest to small area of garments.· As I've said, the YC6 can be used for changing colour when knitting single bed Fair Isle.· An exception might be if your local paper is one of those that sometimes use colour on their pages.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► lend/give colour to something► colours► see the colour of somebody’s money► people/women/students etc of colorPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► the colour/blood drains from somebody’s face/cheeks► nail your colours to the mast► richly coloured► rose-coloured glasses► your true colours
- Bruce went to the doctor, feeling a little off colour, and was told that he had anaemia.
- I'm fine, thank you, but Elinor's a bit off colour at the moment.
- Description: The leaves are slightly smaller than those of M. crenata, and deeper in colour.
- It is not uncommon to find old goldfish that are pale lemon or even white in colour.
- It shimmers and alters in colour depending on our thoughts, emotions and physical state.
- Pale in colour and mild in taste, it is quite different from late-season lamb.
- The lacquered table, using the same veneers, had been slightly disappointing in colour.
- The photos, especially those in colour, give a fair taste of what's in store.
- The pupil is very large and only a portion of the iris is present, so the eye appears dark in colour.
- The substitute scroll is smaller, and the bark is noticeably lighter in colour.
- But prosecutors in the Anwar Ibrahim indecency trial knew the exact moment of the chauffeur's trauma.
- He looked up at the screen at the exact moment Rocky gave himself the name he would henceforth carry.
- I can tell you the exact moment he fell in love with her.
- I was then sure that the brush was holding the exact colour the painting required.
- It is difficult to trace the exact moment at which he decided that the military situation was hopeless.
- The user has to judge the exact moment to stop.
- And they now look set to promote more harmonious race relations in the community after passing with flying colours.
- Fortunately, like the other tests, the 31-year-old convent-educated beauty passed with flying colours.
- He passed his exams with flying colours.
- He would have passed it with flying colours.
- Now he's gone back to driving school in an effort to pass with flying colours.
- So far James has never given a scrap of trouble and has passed his MoT test with flying colours.
- The Honey Thieves are a band who would graduate with flying colours from such a straight-forward system of appraisal.
- Trinity High School has just been inspected by Ofsted and come out with flying colours.
- Above me, the gaily painted signs of the taverns and food shops creaked in the wind and mocked my hunger.
- It took up half a block of Tollemarche Avenue and was gaily painted in red and white.
- The gaily painted striped poles of the merry-go-round figure in almost every work.
- Tone down high colouring by using a green moisturiser or under-make-up base before applying foundation.
- Julie Mills moved into her Edwardian town house in London expecting to just give it a lick of paint.
- Rooms have recently had a lick of paint, but nothing too drastic, making this an unbeatable central London bargain.
- A Delicious mural was painted, a riot of colour, with the adjoining pub lending us a ladder.
- Ducks are very beautiful, a riot of colour.
- In this quiet lane there was an extravagance of wild flowers, a riot of colour.
- It was a riot of colour and pattern.
- Most plastics, however, will display a riot of colour when treated similarly.
- Since it was all in bloom, the yard was a riot of colour and scent.
- A fairly neutral background will make any small splash of colour sing out with particular vibrancy and significance.
- Are there well tendered plants and flowers in hanging baskets and window troughs bringing splashes of colour to the room?
- Go on, create your own splash of colour!
- It adds a bold splash of colour to all kinds of snacks, and turns everyday items into original-looking and great-tasting treats.
- This will give the curtains a larger expanse and create a striking splash of colour.
WORD FAMILYnouncolour/colorcolouring/coloringcolorationcolourant/colorantcolourist/coloristadjectivecoloured/coloreddiscoloured/discoloredcolourful/colorful ≠ colourless/colorlessmulticolouredcolour/colorverbcolour/coloradverbcolourfully/colorfully ≠ colourlessly/colorlessly
1red/blue/green etc [countable] red, blue, yellow, green, brown, purple etc: What colour dress did you buy? What colour are his eyes? The pens come in a wide range of colours.light/bright/pastel etc colour I love wearing bright colours.reddish-brown/yellowy-green/deep blue etc colour The walls were a lovely reddish-brown color.2colour in general [uncountable] (also colours) the appearance of something as a result of the way it reflects (=throws back) light, especially when its appearance is very bright or is made up of a lot of different colours: Bright bold accessories are the quickest way to add colour to a room.in colour The wine was almost pink in colour (=was almost pink).blaze/riot/mass of colour (=lots of different bright colours) In summer the gardens are a blaze of colour. a splash of colour (=a small area of a bright colour) The sky began to slowly change colour. the fall colors (=the colours of the trees in autumn)3somebody’s race [countable, uncountable] how dark or light someone’s skin is, which shows which race they belong to: Everyone has a right to a job, regardless of their race, sex, or colour. people of all colors the continuing battle against colour prejudice → coloured24 people/women/students etc of color especially American English people, women etc who are not white: I’m the only person of color in my class.5substance [countable, uncountable] a substance such as paint or dye that makes something red, blue, yellow etc: Wash the garment separately, as the colour may run (=come out when washed). jams that contain no artificial colours or preservativeslip/nail/eye colour our new range of eyeshadows and lip colours6in (full) colour a television programme, film, or photograph that is in colour contains colours such as red, green, and blue rather than just black and white OPP in black and white: All the recipes in the book are illustrated in full colour.7somebody’s face [uncountable] if you have some colour in your face, your face is pink or red, usually because you are healthy or embarrassed: You look a lot better today. At least you’ve got a bit of colour now. One of the girls giggled nervously as colour flooded her cheeks (=her cheeks suddenly went very pink or red). He stared at her, the colour draining from his face.8something interesting [uncountable] interesting and exciting details or qualities that someone or something has: The old market is lively, full of colour and activity. a travel writer in search of local colouradd/give colour to something (=make something more interesting) Intelligent use of metaphors can add colour to your writing.9lend/give colour to something to make something, especially something unusual, appear likely or true: We have new evidence that lends colour to the accusation of fraud.10off colour a)[not before noun] British English someone who is off colour is feeling slightly ill b)[usually before noun] especially American English off-colour jokes, stories etc are rude and often about sex11colours [plural] a)the colours that are used to represent a team, school, club, country etcclub/team/school colours a cap in the team colours Australia’s national colours are gold and green. b)British English a flag, shirt etc that shows that someone or something belongs to or supports a particular team, school, club, or country12see the colour of somebody’s money spoken to have definite proof that someone has enough money to pay for something: ‘A whiskey, please.’ ‘Let’s see the color of your money first.’ → with flying colours at flying1(2), → nail your colours to the mast at nail2(6), → your true colours at true1(13)COLLOCATIONSadjectivesa red/green/blue etc colour· Our door was painted a bright green colour.a reddish/greenish/bluish etc colour (=slightly red, green, blue etc)· The glass used for bottles is often a greenish colour.a bluey/yellowy/browny colour (=a shade of blue, yellow etc)· I like bluey colours best.a bright/strong colour (=strong and noticeable)· Bright colours look good in strong sunlight.a bold/vivid/vibrant colour (=bright in a way that is exciting)· His paintings are known for their use of bold colours.a rich colour (=strong and beautiful or expensive-looking)· I love the rich colours in oriental rugs.a dark colour (=more like black than white)· People tend to wear dark colours to work.a deep colour (=dark and attractive)a neutral colour (=one that matches other colours easily, for example white or cream)a light/pale colour (=not dark or strong)· Light colours make a room look larger.a pastel colour (=pale blue, pink, yellow or green)a warm colour (=pleasant and containing some red, yellow, or orange)· The old farmhouse is beautifully decorated with warm colours.a soft colour (=pleasant and not very strong)a subtle colour (=pleasant, not strong, and a little unusual)· Italian sweaters come in lovely subtle colours.a loud colour (=very bright in a way that looks unpleasant or funny)a gaudy/garish colour (=loud and usually showing bad taste)contrasting colours (=ones that are different from each other in a way that looks attractive)· You need to have one or two contrasting colours in the room.complementary colours (=ones that look nice together)· Plant the flowers in patches in complementary colours.a matching colour (=one that is the same as something else)· I bought some gloves and a scarf in a matching colour.a primary colour (=red, yellow, or blue)· Why are children’s toys always in primary colours?verbsa colour matches something (=it is the same colour)· The colour in this tin of paint doesn’t match the walls.a colours clashes (with something) (=is different from something in a way that is unattractive)· Do you think the colour of this tie clashes with my shirt?a colour fades (=loses colour and brightness)· The colour of the curtains had faded in the sun.colour + NOUNa colour scheme (=the colours that you use in a room, painting etc)· Have you decided on a colour scheme?a colour combination/combination of colours (=the colours that exist or that you put together)· In autumn the leaves create lovely colour combinations.a colour range/range of colours (=a number of colours that you can choose from)· There’s a wide colour range to choose from.THESAURUScolour red, blue, yellow etc: · Blue is my favourite colour.· Matisse was famous for his use of colour.shade a particular type of a colour: · The dress is a light shade of pink.· He uses different shades of green.hue /hjuː/ literary technical a particular colour or shade of a colour: · Her face had lost its golden hue.tint a small amount of a colour in something that is mostly another colour: · He wears sunglasses that have a pinky-orange tint.tone one of the many different shades of a colour, each slightly darker, lighter, brighter etc than the next: · Carpets in neutral tones give a feeling of space.dark coloursdark used about a colour that is strong and fairly close to black: · a dark blue suit· His eyes are dark brown.deep fairly dark – often used when you think this colour looks attractive: · His eyes were a beautiful deep blue.· deep red lipsrich used about a colour that is fairly dark in a way that gives a pleasant feeling of warmth: · The walls were painted a rich red colour.light colourslight used about a colour that is not dark: · a light blue sweater· His T-shirt was light green.pale used about a colour that is very light: · He has very pale blue eyes.soft used about a colour that is light in a way that is attractive because it is not too obvious: · She wears soft colours such as cream, which match her complexion.pastel used about a colour that has a lot of white in it: · The girls wore pastel pink sundresses.bright coloursbright used about a colour that is strong and easy to see: · The front door was painted bright red.brilliant/vivid used about a colour that is very bright: · I looked out at the brilliant blue sky.· vivid red flowerscolourful British English, colorful American English used about things that have many different bright colours: · There were window boxes full of colourful flowers.multicoloured British English, multicolored American English used about things that have a pattern of many different bright colours: · A multicoloured flag waved in the midday sun.gaudy/garish too brightly coloured, in a way that is unattractive: · The wallpaper was much too gaudy for me.· a garish orange tiecolour1 nouncolour2 verbcolour3 adjective
colourcolour2 British English, color American English ●●○ verb VERB TABLE
colour (BrE)
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | colour (BrE) |
| he, she, it | colours (BrE) | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | coloured (BrE) |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have coloured (BrE) |
| he, she, it | has coloured (BrE) | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had coloured (BrE) |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will colour |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have coloured (BrE) |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am colouring (BrE) |
| he, she, it | is colouring (BrE) | |
| you, we, they | are colouring (BrE) | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was colouring (BrE) |
| you, we, they | were colouring (BrE) | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been colouring (BrE) |
| he, she, it | has been colouring (BrE) | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been colouring (BrE) |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be colouring (BrE) |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been colouring (BrE) |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- How can he make fair and impartial decisions when political loyalties colour his judgement?
- Last time I tried to colour my hair it turned red!
- Marigold petals were once used for colouring butter and cheese.
- Both are easy to colour and mould into decorations.
- It was a beautiful afternoon and Nature was colouring the Moor with breathtaking tints.
- The dyes will colour the flower.
Longman Language Activatora colour
British /color American · What's your favourite colour?· I like nice bright colours like yellow and pink· What colour is his hair?· Look carefully at the rear door. It's not quite the same colour as the rest of the car.· The chameleon is able to change colour to protect itself.
a particular type of one colour, which is darker or lighter than other types of the same colour: · When buying make-up, choose the right shade to match your skin.shade of blue/green etc: · Valerie's eyes are a beautiful shade of blue.· In the fall, the woods are full of countless shades of brown, yellow and orange.
a small amount of a particular colour in something that is mostly another colour: · The sun shining on her head gave her hair an attractive red tint.· The glass had a bluish tint to it, like ice.· It was October, and the leaves had begun to take on their warm autumn tints.
a vivid colour is very bright and noticeable, especially in a way that is attractive: · a vivid blue sky· a cloud of vivid yellow butterflies
a colour or a shade of a colour: · The Prince wore majestic robes of a rich purple hue.
British /coloring American the colour of a person's or animal's hair, skin, or eyes: · This lipstick is perfect for your coloring.· People with very light colouring need to protect themselves from the sun as they burn easily.· Many poisonous animals have distinctive coloring that is easily recognized.
to be a particular colour: be red/green etc · The Japanese flag is white with a red circle in the middle.· Frogs are green, toads are brown. That's how you tell the difference.· "What colour is your car?'' "It's black.''
British /colored American having one or more colours and not black or white: · The front door was painted blue and had a coloured glass panel in it.· You can make Christmas decorations from almost anything -- beads, colored ribbons, sea shells -- anything.brightly coloured: · The cages were full of brightly- coloured tropical birds.
glass that is tinted has a slight colour, so that people cannot see through it, so that light does not shine too brightly through it: · The limousine had tinted windows, so we couldn't see who was inside.blue-tinted/green-tinted etc: · She wore a pair of pink-tinted glasses.
brightly coloured a bright colour is strong and very easy to notice: · The artist clearly loved bright colours.· If you are cycling at night, always wear something bright.bright blue/red/yellow etc: · The front door was painted bright red.· a bright yellow van
British /colorful American having a lot of different colours, especially bright colours: · The garden was full of colourful and fascinating flowers.· That's a really colourful tie you're wearing.· Stunning tropical fish swim in and out of the colorful rock formations.
: brilliant white/blue/green etc so bright that it almost hurts your eyes to look at it: · a brilliant blue sky· The room was painted a brilliant white.
British /multicolored American having several different colours, especially bright colours: · A giant multicoloured flag waved in the midday sun.· A group of women sat around talking, their multi-coloured dresses radiant.
something that is gaudy has too many different colours or is too brightly coloured, with the result that it looks cheap and in bad taste: · I didn't like the decorations - they looked rather gaudy.· She smelled of cheap perfume and wore gaudy clothing and fake costume jewellery.
too brightly coloured in a way that is unpleasant to look at: · Her hair had been dyed a garish shade of red.· The streets are lined with garish neon signs.· The traditional designs have been replaced by much more garish colours.
vibrant colours are very bright and strong - used when you like these colours very much: · the vibrant reds and oranges of the leaves in autumn· The streets of the capital are vibrant with color.
lurid colours are too bright and look very unattractive - used when you dislike these colours: · The carpets were a lurid shade of green.
light colours light colours are closer to white than to black: · They both have brown hair, but Tina's is slightly lighter.light blue/green/orange etc: · This is a nice jacket and we also do it in a light green.
very light in colour: · There were dark rings under her eyes and her skin was paler than usual.pale pink/green/blue etc: · Her dress is pale pink, with a small flowery pattern.· The old man's pale blue eyes moved from the dartboard to the bar and then back again.
use this about the colour of people's hair and skin: · Someone with fair skin like you should probably use a stronger sunscreen.fair-haired/fair-skinned: · The Indians were at first frightened of the fair-skinned Europeans.
pastel colours, especially pink, yellow, green or blue, are soft and light and not at all bright: · Before the baby was born Jenny bought some pretty, pastel baby clothes.· Mrs Singh preferred saris in pastel colours, such as salmon pink.
if something is faded , it is a lighter colour than it was originally because of being affected by the sun, washing, or age: · The woman wore a faded blue dress and old brown sandals.· Joe dropped a faded newspaper picture on Woodward's desk.
dark colours dark colours are closer to black than to white: · She has beautiful dark brown eyes.· If you're going to have such dark walls I really think you should have a pale carpet.· "What do you think of this blouse?'' "It's a bit dark -- navy doesn't really suit you.''
deep colours are strong, dark, and attractive: · I'm looking for a deeper shade of purple to paint the bedroom.deep blue/red/purple etc: · She looked into his eyes. They were deep blue.· In the lounge hung long curtains of luxurious deep red velvet.
dark and giving a pleasant feeling of comfort and warmth: · I admired the warm, rich colors of her Persian rugs.· The horse had a rich chestnut coat.
having no colour British /colorless American · Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas.· He stared out the window at the colorless sky.
photograph/film/television British /color American showing pictures in all colours, not just in black, white, and grey: · You need a colour television to fully appreciate nature programmes.· Does your new computer have a colour monitor?· The outstanding feature of this book is its 45 full-page color photographs.in colour (=showing all the colours): · All the pictures are in color.
: black and white television/photograph/film etc one that has a black, white, and grey picture, not colours such as blue, red and yellow: · Black and white TV sets are now very cheap to buy.· I love the old black-and-white movies.· an exhibition of black and white photosin black and white (=showing only black, white, and grey): · "Is the film 'Casablanca' in colour?'' "No, it's in black and white.''
technical monochrome pictures have no colour, and use only black, white, and shades of grey: · There were some beautiful monochrome pictures of Yosemite.in monochrome: · McCullin still prefers to shoot in monochrome.
to change the colour of something British /color American to put colour into something: · Last time I tried to colour my hair it turned red!· Marigold petals were once used for colouring butter and cheese.colour/color something in (=colour inside the lines of a picture): · Josie sat at the table coloring in her picture while her father made the dinner.
to change the colour of material or hair by using a special coloured liquid: · I'm bored with this skirt. I'm going to dye it.· Wool and silk are the materials that are easiest to dye.dye something blue/yellow/red etc: · She's dyed her hair red -- it looks so unnatural.
to use chemicals to make the colour of material or hair lighter: · To play the part, Kensit had to bleach her hair and gain 20 pounds.· I'm going to bleach these curtains and see if I can get the stains out.
to lose colour if a colour or coloured material fades , its colour becomes paler, for example because it has been in sunlight for a long time: · Over the years the green paint had faded.· Your natural hair colour begins to fade as you grow older, and eventually you go grey.
British /lose its color American if a material or object loses its colour , the colour comes out of it, especially because of the effects of washing or sunlight: · Will this shirt lose its colour if you wash it?· Red onions lose their color when cooked.
if the colours run on a piece of clothing when you wash it, some of the colour goes from one part of it and onto another part of it because the water is too hot: · It is usually advisable to wash new clothes separately as they tend to run.
to have an effect on the way people think or behave to affect the way someone behaves or thinks: · Don't let him influence you - make up your own mind.· How much does TV advertising really influence what people buy?· The jury's verdict was clearly influenced by their sympathy for the defendant.influence somebody to do something: · The prisoner claims he was influenced by his older friends to carry out the crime.
to have a continuing effect on the way that people think or behave: · His ideas are too complicated to have much real influence.have an influence on: · Clearly, the cost of fuel has an influence on what sort of car someone buys.have a great/important/profound etc influence: · Descartes' ideas have had a profound influence on modern science.
to influence someone when they have not yet definitely decided about something, so that they change their mind: · The court is unlikely to be swayed by those arguments.· Ed's parents never tried to sway him, but they are happy with the decision he's made.be easily swayed: · Insecure people are often easily swayed by flattery.
to be one of the things that has an effect on what someone decides or on what happens: play a part in: · Of course, the pay played some part in my decision to take the job.play a big/major part: · He was to go on to play a major part in the success of the new government.
if something comes into or enters into a decision, it is one of the things that influences you when you decide or choose something - use this especially in negative sentences: · Try not to let your personal feelings enter into the decision.· An applicant's age or sex doesn't come into it - we simply choose the best candidate for the job.
British /color American to influence someone's opinions or decisions, usually in a way that makes them less fair: · Foster's early experiences in Hollywood colored his views of the entire film industry.· How can he make fair and impartial decisions when political loyalties colour his judgement?
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY If I didn’t colour my hair I’d be totally grey. Sunset came and coloured the sky a brilliant red.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES The wires are colour coded for easy identification. Most petrol stations use colour coding for different types of petrol. She passed with flying colours (=got very high marks). These fish are highly variable in color and pattern.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN
If I didn’t colour my hair I’d be totally grey. Sunset came and coloured the sky a brilliant red. (=used in food)· I try to buy food that is free from artificial colours.
The wires are colour coded for easy identification. Most petrol stations use colour coding for different types of petrol. literary· After the rain, the desert bloomed in an explosion of color.
British English, food coloring American English· Dilute a little food colouring with water.
British English, hair color American English· Genes control characteristics such as hair colour and eye colour.
She passed with flying colours (=got very high marks).· Send us a colour photo of yourself.
· The book is fully illustrated with colour photographs.
British English, a color range American English:· These curtains are available in a much wider colour range.
(also the colour of your skin)· There is still discrimination on the basis of skin colour.
· a 32 inch colour television
These fish are highly variable in color and pattern.· I notice his increased joviality and the way he's started colouring his hair.· Used in the right concentrations, they colour hair for up to six washes and add a protective film.· I know that, aesthetically, the results of colouring my hair might be an improvement.
· He allows no prejudice to colour his Judgement, welcoming positive suggestions and ideas put to him.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► the colour/blood drains from somebody’s face/cheeks► nail your colours to the mast► richly coloured► rose-coloured glasses► your true colours
- But prosecutors in the Anwar Ibrahim indecency trial knew the exact moment of the chauffeur's trauma.
- He looked up at the screen at the exact moment Rocky gave himself the name he would henceforth carry.
- I can tell you the exact moment he fell in love with her.
- I was then sure that the brush was holding the exact colour the painting required.
- It is difficult to trace the exact moment at which he decided that the military situation was hopeless.
- The user has to judge the exact moment to stop.
- And they now look set to promote more harmonious race relations in the community after passing with flying colours.
- Fortunately, like the other tests, the 31-year-old convent-educated beauty passed with flying colours.
- He passed his exams with flying colours.
- He would have passed it with flying colours.
- Now he's gone back to driving school in an effort to pass with flying colours.
- So far James has never given a scrap of trouble and has passed his MoT test with flying colours.
- The Honey Thieves are a band who would graduate with flying colours from such a straight-forward system of appraisal.
- Trinity High School has just been inspected by Ofsted and come out with flying colours.
- Above me, the gaily painted signs of the taverns and food shops creaked in the wind and mocked my hunger.
- It took up half a block of Tollemarche Avenue and was gaily painted in red and white.
- The gaily painted striped poles of the merry-go-round figure in almost every work.
- Tone down high colouring by using a green moisturiser or under-make-up base before applying foundation.
- Julie Mills moved into her Edwardian town house in London expecting to just give it a lick of paint.
- Rooms have recently had a lick of paint, but nothing too drastic, making this an unbeatable central London bargain.
- A Delicious mural was painted, a riot of colour, with the adjoining pub lending us a ladder.
- Ducks are very beautiful, a riot of colour.
- In this quiet lane there was an extravagance of wild flowers, a riot of colour.
- It was a riot of colour and pattern.
- Most plastics, however, will display a riot of colour when treated similarly.
- Since it was all in bloom, the yard was a riot of colour and scent.
- A fairly neutral background will make any small splash of colour sing out with particular vibrancy and significance.
- Are there well tendered plants and flowers in hanging baskets and window troughs bringing splashes of colour to the room?
- Go on, create your own splash of colour!
- It adds a bold splash of colour to all kinds of snacks, and turns everyday items into original-looking and great-tasting treats.
- This will give the curtains a larger expanse and create a striking splash of colour.
WORD FAMILYnouncolour/colorcolouring/coloringcolorationcolourant/colorantcolourist/coloristadjectivecoloured/coloreddiscoloured/discoloredcolourful/colorful ≠ colourless/colorlessmulticolouredcolour/colorverbcolour/coloradverbcolourfully/colorfully ≠ colourlessly/colorlessly
1[transitive] to change the colour of something, especially by using dye: If I didn’t colour my hair I’d be totally grey. Colour the icing with a little green food colouring.colour something red/blue etc Sunset came and coloured the sky a brilliant red.2[intransitive, transitive] (also colour in) to use coloured pencils to put colours inside the lines of a picture: On the back page is a picture for your child to colour in. She has no idea how to colour a picture – she just scribbles all over it.3[intransitive] literary when someone colours, their face becomes redder because they are embarrassed SYN blush: Her eyes suddenly met his and she coloured slightly.4colour somebody’s judgment/opinions/attitudes etc to influence the way someone thinks about something, especially so that they become less fair or reasonable: In my position, I can’t afford to let my judgment be coloured by personal feelings.colour1 nouncolour2 verbcolour3 adjective
colourcolour3 British English, color American English adjective EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Does your new computer have a colour monitor?
- You need a colour television to fully appreciate nature programmes.
Longman Language Activatora colour
British /color American · What's your favourite colour?· I like nice bright colours like yellow and pink· What colour is his hair?· Look carefully at the rear door. It's not quite the same colour as the rest of the car.· The chameleon is able to change colour to protect itself.
a particular type of one colour, which is darker or lighter than other types of the same colour: · When buying make-up, choose the right shade to match your skin.shade of blue/green etc: · Valerie's eyes are a beautiful shade of blue.· In the fall, the woods are full of countless shades of brown, yellow and orange.
a small amount of a particular colour in something that is mostly another colour: · The sun shining on her head gave her hair an attractive red tint.· The glass had a bluish tint to it, like ice.· It was October, and the leaves had begun to take on their warm autumn tints.
a vivid colour is very bright and noticeable, especially in a way that is attractive: · a vivid blue sky· a cloud of vivid yellow butterflies
a colour or a shade of a colour: · The Prince wore majestic robes of a rich purple hue.
British /coloring American the colour of a person's or animal's hair, skin, or eyes: · This lipstick is perfect for your coloring.· People with very light colouring need to protect themselves from the sun as they burn easily.· Many poisonous animals have distinctive coloring that is easily recognized.
to be a particular colour: be red/green etc · The Japanese flag is white with a red circle in the middle.· Frogs are green, toads are brown. That's how you tell the difference.· "What colour is your car?'' "It's black.''
British /colored American having one or more colours and not black or white: · The front door was painted blue and had a coloured glass panel in it.· You can make Christmas decorations from almost anything -- beads, colored ribbons, sea shells -- anything.brightly coloured: · The cages were full of brightly- coloured tropical birds.
glass that is tinted has a slight colour, so that people cannot see through it, so that light does not shine too brightly through it: · The limousine had tinted windows, so we couldn't see who was inside.blue-tinted/green-tinted etc: · She wore a pair of pink-tinted glasses.
brightly coloured a bright colour is strong and very easy to notice: · The artist clearly loved bright colours.· If you are cycling at night, always wear something bright.bright blue/red/yellow etc: · The front door was painted bright red.· a bright yellow van
British /colorful American having a lot of different colours, especially bright colours: · The garden was full of colourful and fascinating flowers.· That's a really colourful tie you're wearing.· Stunning tropical fish swim in and out of the colorful rock formations.
: brilliant white/blue/green etc so bright that it almost hurts your eyes to look at it: · a brilliant blue sky· The room was painted a brilliant white.
British /multicolored American having several different colours, especially bright colours: · A giant multicoloured flag waved in the midday sun.· A group of women sat around talking, their multi-coloured dresses radiant.
something that is gaudy has too many different colours or is too brightly coloured, with the result that it looks cheap and in bad taste: · I didn't like the decorations - they looked rather gaudy.· She smelled of cheap perfume and wore gaudy clothing and fake costume jewellery.
too brightly coloured in a way that is unpleasant to look at: · Her hair had been dyed a garish shade of red.· The streets are lined with garish neon signs.· The traditional designs have been replaced by much more garish colours.
vibrant colours are very bright and strong - used when you like these colours very much: · the vibrant reds and oranges of the leaves in autumn· The streets of the capital are vibrant with color.
lurid colours are too bright and look very unattractive - used when you dislike these colours: · The carpets were a lurid shade of green.
light colours light colours are closer to white than to black: · They both have brown hair, but Tina's is slightly lighter.light blue/green/orange etc: · This is a nice jacket and we also do it in a light green.
very light in colour: · There were dark rings under her eyes and her skin was paler than usual.pale pink/green/blue etc: · Her dress is pale pink, with a small flowery pattern.· The old man's pale blue eyes moved from the dartboard to the bar and then back again.
use this about the colour of people's hair and skin: · Someone with fair skin like you should probably use a stronger sunscreen.fair-haired/fair-skinned: · The Indians were at first frightened of the fair-skinned Europeans.
pastel colours, especially pink, yellow, green or blue, are soft and light and not at all bright: · Before the baby was born Jenny bought some pretty, pastel baby clothes.· Mrs Singh preferred saris in pastel colours, such as salmon pink.
if something is faded , it is a lighter colour than it was originally because of being affected by the sun, washing, or age: · The woman wore a faded blue dress and old brown sandals.· Joe dropped a faded newspaper picture on Woodward's desk.
dark colours dark colours are closer to black than to white: · She has beautiful dark brown eyes.· If you're going to have such dark walls I really think you should have a pale carpet.· "What do you think of this blouse?'' "It's a bit dark -- navy doesn't really suit you.''
deep colours are strong, dark, and attractive: · I'm looking for a deeper shade of purple to paint the bedroom.deep blue/red/purple etc: · She looked into his eyes. They were deep blue.· In the lounge hung long curtains of luxurious deep red velvet.
dark and giving a pleasant feeling of comfort and warmth: · I admired the warm, rich colors of her Persian rugs.· The horse had a rich chestnut coat.
having no colour British /colorless American · Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas.· He stared out the window at the colorless sky.
photograph/film/television British /color American showing pictures in all colours, not just in black, white, and grey: · You need a colour television to fully appreciate nature programmes.· Does your new computer have a colour monitor?· The outstanding feature of this book is its 45 full-page color photographs.in colour (=showing all the colours): · All the pictures are in color.
: black and white television/photograph/film etc one that has a black, white, and grey picture, not colours such as blue, red and yellow: · Black and white TV sets are now very cheap to buy.· I love the old black-and-white movies.· an exhibition of black and white photosin black and white (=showing only black, white, and grey): · "Is the film 'Casablanca' in colour?'' "No, it's in black and white.''
technical monochrome pictures have no colour, and use only black, white, and shades of grey: · There were some beautiful monochrome pictures of Yosemite.in monochrome: · McCullin still prefers to shoot in monochrome.
to change the colour of something British /color American to put colour into something: · Last time I tried to colour my hair it turned red!· Marigold petals were once used for colouring butter and cheese.colour/color something in (=colour inside the lines of a picture): · Josie sat at the table coloring in her picture while her father made the dinner.
to change the colour of material or hair by using a special coloured liquid: · I'm bored with this skirt. I'm going to dye it.· Wool and silk are the materials that are easiest to dye.dye something blue/yellow/red etc: · She's dyed her hair red -- it looks so unnatural.
to use chemicals to make the colour of material or hair lighter: · To play the part, Kensit had to bleach her hair and gain 20 pounds.· I'm going to bleach these curtains and see if I can get the stains out.
to lose colour if a colour or coloured material fades , its colour becomes paler, for example because it has been in sunlight for a long time: · Over the years the green paint had faded.· Your natural hair colour begins to fade as you grow older, and eventually you go grey.
British /lose its color American if a material or object loses its colour , the colour comes out of it, especially because of the effects of washing or sunlight: · Will this shirt lose its colour if you wash it?· Red onions lose their color when cooked.
if the colours run on a piece of clothing when you wash it, some of the colour goes from one part of it and onto another part of it because the water is too hot: · It is usually advisable to wash new clothes separately as they tend to run.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES The wires are colour coded for easy identification. Most petrol stations use colour coding for different types of petrol. She passed with flying colours (=got very high marks). These fish are highly variable in color and pattern.
(=used in food)· I try to buy food that is free from artificial colours.
The wires are colour coded for easy identification. Most petrol stations use colour coding for different types of petrol. literary· After the rain, the desert bloomed in an explosion of color.
British English, food coloring American English· Dilute a little food colouring with water.
British English, hair color American English· Genes control characteristics such as hair colour and eye colour.
She passed with flying colours (=got very high marks).· Send us a colour photo of yourself.
· The book is fully illustrated with colour photographs.
British English, a color range American English:· These curtains are available in a much wider colour range.
(also the colour of your skin)· There is still discrimination on the basis of skin colour.
· a 32 inch colour television
These fish are highly variable in color and pattern.PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► the colour/blood drains from somebody’s face/cheeks► nail your colours to the mast► richly coloured► rose-coloured glasses► your true colours
- All bedrooms are of a high standard offering private facilities, satellite colour television, in-house movies and hospitality tray.
- All rooms have central heating, colour television, tea/coffee making facilities, en suite or private shower.
- Answer Every room has a nineteen inch colour television, tea-making facilities and a direct dialling telephone system.
- He carried a colour photograph of his mill in the same way that others carry their wives and children.
- If you're lucky enough to have a colour printer, you can also fiddle with text and background colours.
- It has an enticing colour photograph of palm trees and white sand.
- The exhibition is lavishly illustrated with colour photographs and features a moss garden composed entirely of local Ulster mosses.
- But prosecutors in the Anwar Ibrahim indecency trial knew the exact moment of the chauffeur's trauma.
- He looked up at the screen at the exact moment Rocky gave himself the name he would henceforth carry.
- I can tell you the exact moment he fell in love with her.
- I was then sure that the brush was holding the exact colour the painting required.
- It is difficult to trace the exact moment at which he decided that the military situation was hopeless.
- The user has to judge the exact moment to stop.
- And they now look set to promote more harmonious race relations in the community after passing with flying colours.
- Fortunately, like the other tests, the 31-year-old convent-educated beauty passed with flying colours.
- He passed his exams with flying colours.
- He would have passed it with flying colours.
- Now he's gone back to driving school in an effort to pass with flying colours.
- So far James has never given a scrap of trouble and has passed his MoT test with flying colours.
- The Honey Thieves are a band who would graduate with flying colours from such a straight-forward system of appraisal.
- Trinity High School has just been inspected by Ofsted and come out with flying colours.
- Above me, the gaily painted signs of the taverns and food shops creaked in the wind and mocked my hunger.
- It took up half a block of Tollemarche Avenue and was gaily painted in red and white.
- The gaily painted striped poles of the merry-go-round figure in almost every work.
- Tone down high colouring by using a green moisturiser or under-make-up base before applying foundation.
- Julie Mills moved into her Edwardian town house in London expecting to just give it a lick of paint.
- Rooms have recently had a lick of paint, but nothing too drastic, making this an unbeatable central London bargain.
- A Delicious mural was painted, a riot of colour, with the adjoining pub lending us a ladder.
- Ducks are very beautiful, a riot of colour.
- In this quiet lane there was an extravagance of wild flowers, a riot of colour.
- It was a riot of colour and pattern.
- Most plastics, however, will display a riot of colour when treated similarly.
- Since it was all in bloom, the yard was a riot of colour and scent.
- A fairly neutral background will make any small splash of colour sing out with particular vibrancy and significance.
- Are there well tendered plants and flowers in hanging baskets and window troughs bringing splashes of colour to the room?
- Go on, create your own splash of colour!
- It adds a bold splash of colour to all kinds of snacks, and turns everyday items into original-looking and great-tasting treats.
- This will give the curtains a larger expanse and create a striking splash of colour.
WORD FAMILYnouncolour/colorcolouring/coloringcolorationcolourant/colorantcolourist/coloristadjectivecoloured/coloreddiscoloured/discoloredcolourful/colorful ≠ colourless/colorlessmulticolouredcolour/colorverbcolour/coloradverbcolourfully/colorfully ≠ colourlessly/colorlessly
colour television/photograph/printer etc a colour television, photograph etc produces or shows pictures in colour rather than in black, white, and grey: a large color TV Please ask for our free colour brochure.