Is palette the same as colour scheme?

Not exactly. A palette is the set of colours chosen, while a colour scheme is the overall planned combination.

Can I use palette in business writing?

Yes, especially in design, branding, marketing, and product descriptions.

Does palette only mean a painter's board?

No. In modern English, it often means a set of colours, not just the board.

← Dictionary

palette

/ˈpæl.ɪt/

IELTSAcademic

noun

A palette is a flat board that a painter holds and uses to mix paints on. It can also mean the range of colours an artist or designer uses in a work.

She held the palette in her left hand.
The designer chose a soft colour palette.

Adinary Nuance

Palette is more specific than colour scheme or colours. It often suggests a planned set of colours used in art, design, fashion, or branding. Use it when you want to sound a little more professional or visual than just saying colours.

In other languages

Vietnamese: bảng pha màu
Spanish: paleta
Chinese: 调色板
Japanese: パレット
Korean: 팔레트

Etymology

Palette comes from French palette, from Latin pala, meaning a spade or shovel. The word entered English in the 15th century, first for the painter's board.

Common phrases

colour palettewarm palettecool palettesoft palette

Synonyms

colour scheme range of colours colours

Related words

brush paint hues tone

Frequently asked questions

Is palette the same as colour scheme?: Not exactly. A palette is the set of colours chosen, while a colour scheme is the overall planned combination.
Can I use palette in business writing?: Yes, especially in design, branding, marketing, and product descriptions.
Does palette only mean a painter's board?: No. In modern English, it often means a set of colours, not just the board.