colourful
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for colourful, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — British spelling of colorful.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From colour plus -ful.
Full origin of colourful →Frequently asked questions
What does “colourful” mean?
The word “colourful” means british spelling of colorful. In plain terms, british spelling of "colorful.".
How do you use “colourful” in a sentence?
Here is “colourful” used in a sentence: “The garden was full of colourful tulips in spring.”
What part of speech is “colourful”?
“Colourful” is an adjective.
Is “colourful” a common word?
“Colourful” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between 'colourful' and 'colorful'?
'Colourful' is the British English spelling and 'colorful' is the American English spelling of the same word, with identical meaning. Which one to use depends on whether you are writing in British or American English style.
When should you use 'colourful' instead of 'colorful'?
Use 'colourful' when writing for a British, Irish, Australian, or other Commonwealth English audience or publication, since these varieties of English follow British spelling conventions. Use 'colorful' for American English audiences.
Can 'colourful' be used figuratively, not just to describe color?
Yes, 'colourful' is often used figuratively to describe something lively, varied, or full of interesting detail, such as a 'colourful character' or a 'colourful history,' extending beyond its literal meaning of full of color.