colorful
/ˈkʌl.ə.fəl/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Colorful means full of bright or varied colors. It can also describe something lively, interesting, or full of strong personality.
- She wore a colorful scarf.
- The story was colorful and exciting.
- He has a colorful personality.
Adinary Nuance
Colorful is often more vivid than simply "bright" or "pretty". It can describe clothes, places, or pictures, but it can also describe a person, life, or story that feels lively and unusual. Writers choose it when they want to suggest both visual richness and strong character.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Nhiều màu
- Spanish
- Colorido
- Chinese
- 色彩鲜艳的
- Japanese
- 色鮮やかな
- Korean
- 다채로운
Etymology
Colorful comes from color + -ful. It has been used in English since the 1800s, first for bright appearance and later for lively character or language.
Common phrases
colorful clothesa colorful paintinga colorful charactercolorful language
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is colorful only used for things with many colors?
- No. It can also mean lively, interesting, or unusual, especially for people and stories.
- What is the difference between colorful and vibrant?
- Colorful focuses on many or strong colors. Vibrant often suggests energy, brightness, and life.
- Is colorful formal or informal?
- It is common in both everyday and written English. It works well in descriptions and storytelling.
- Can I use colorful for a person?
- Yes. It usually means the person is lively, unusual, or has a strong personality.