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Nota: A tradução desta entrada está atualmente em revisão de qualidade, portanto parte do conteúdo é exibida temporariamente apenas em inglês.

Este verbete ainda não foi traduzido para o seu idioma, portanto o original é exibido abaixo.

colours

The property possessed by an object of producing different sensations to the eye as a result of the way it reflects or emits light. / To apply a pigment or dye to something to change its appearance. / To influence or bias someone's opinion or perception of a situation.

/ˈkʌl.ərz/

Transitive Verb[C/U] Both
pl: colourspast: colouredpp: coloureding: colouringcomp: more colouredsup: most coloured

In a literal sense, the word evokes a vivid sensory experience of light and pigment. It suggests a transformation of a blank or neutral space into something visually stimulating, often associated with creativity, nature, or decoration.

When used figuratively, the word shifts toward a sense of distortion. It suggests that a perspective is no longer neutral or objective, but has been stained or tinted by an external influence, much like a clear piece of glass becomes tinted when a dye is added.

Countable when referring to specific hues like red, blue, and green. Uncountable when referring to the general concept of chromaticity or the presence of pigment.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Karen is at a home decor store while Chloe is in her dorm.
Karen Smith

These new curtains are hideous. Which colours should I actually get?

Karen Smith
Chloe Smith
Chloe Smith

Idk, just don't go overboard. You're lowkey obsessed with beige.

💡
Karen is seeking validation for her home decor choices, while Chloe uses the slang 'lowkey' to subtly mock her mother's predictable taste in neutral tones.

Meanings

Noun

The property possessed by an object of producing different sensations to the eye as a result of the way it reflects or emits light.

The autumn leaves changed into brilliant colours of red and gold.

Transitive Verb
[~ a surface or object]

To apply a pigment or dye to something to change its appearance.

She colours the drawing with carefully selected pastels.

Transitive Verb
[~ an opinion or perception]

To influence or bias someone's opinion or perception of a situation.

Examples

The autumn leaves changed into vibrant colours of red and gold.

The autumn leaves changed into vibrant colours of red and gold.

I love how these colours blend together in the sunset.

I love how these colours blend together in the sunset.

Travel

Which colours should I use for the team logo?

Which colours should I use for the team logo?

Business

The children spent the afternoon colouring their drawings of animals.

The children spent the afternoon colouring their drawings of animals.

School Life

She decided to colour her hair a deep shade of purple.

I need to colour this section of the map to show the border.

History

I hope my previous mistakes do not colour his opinion of me.

The witness's testimony was coloured by personal hatred for the defendant.

Detective

Don't let your fear colour your judgment of the situation.

Collocations & Compounds

vibrant colours

Noun collocation: colors that are bright, striking, and full of energy

school colours

Noun collocation: the official colors associated with a particular educational institution

muted colours

Noun collocation: colors that are softened, subdued, or not bright

The interior designer suggested muted colours to create a more relaxing atmosphere in the bedroom.

colour a narrative

Verb collocation: to distort or influence a story to make it fit a particular perspective

The politician attempted to colour the narrative by omitting key facts from the report.

colour one's perception

Verb collocation: to bias or influence how someone sees or understands something

Past failures can often colour one's perception of new opportunities.

Idioms & Sayings

pass with flying colours

to succeed easily and convincingly

She passed her bar exam with flying colours.

show one's true colours

to reveal one's real character or intentions, especially when they are unpleasant

He seemed polite at first, but he showed his true colours during the argument.

Etymology

Derived from the Old French word colour, which originated from the Latin color, meaning a hue or pigment. The term evolved from the Latin root collore, meaning to dye or stain, which itself is linked to the Proto-Indo-European root kel-, meaning to cover or hide, reflecting the early human practice of masking surfaces with pigments.

Related Words

Última atualização: May 2026Reportar um erro