How Do You Spell COLOUR?

Pronunciation: [kˈʌlə] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "colour" is a common point of confusion between British and American English. In British English, the word is spelled with a "u" while in American English, it is spelled without. Using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the British English pronunciation of "colour" is /ˈkʌlə/, with the first syllable pronounced like "cul" and the second syllable with a schwa sound. The American English pronunciation is /ˈkʌlər/, with the final "r" pronounced distinctly.

COLOUR Meaning and Definition

  1. Colour is a visual perception resulting from the stimulation of photoreceptor cells (cones) in the human eye by electromagnetic radiation of various wavelengths. It is a fundamental characteristic of objects and substances that allows the differentiation and identification of various hues, shades, and tones. Colour is a property that can be distinguished through the perception of light, wherein beings with a well-developed visual system, such as humans, possess the ability to detect and interpret different wavelengths of light and assign them specific names, such as red, blue, yellow, etc.

    This phenomenon is influenced by three primary colours – red, green, and blue – which, when combined in different intensities, create an extensive range of secondary colours. Additionally, colour is characterized by attributes such as saturation, brightness, and hue, which determine the purity, intensity, and position on the colour spectrum, respectively.

    Colours play a significant role in human psychology, culture, and arts. They evoke emotions, convey symbolism, and impact perception. They are also employed in various fields, including design, marketing, and aesthetics, where specific colours are chosen to elicit desired responses or associations.

    Overall, colour is a perceptual attribute that allows individuals to differentiate and identify various wavelengths of light, providing a rich and diverse visual experience, which extends beyond mere visual stimulation to encompass meaning and emotion.

  2. • The hue or appearance that a body presents to the eye; dye or tinge; anything used to give or impart colour to a body; a paint; appearance to the mind; false show.
    • A flag, standard, or ensign.
    • To alter or change the outward appearance of any body or substance; to tinge; to dye; to give a specious appearance to; to make plausible; to blush.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for COLOUR *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for COLOUR

Etymology of COLOUR

The word "colour" originates from the Middle English word "colour", which can be traced back to the Anglo-Norman and Old French word "color". This Old French term ultimately comes from the Latin word "color". The Latin word, in turn, is believed to have derived from the Proto-Indo-European root word "*kel-", meaning "to cover" or "conceal". The word "color" was introduced to the English language during the Middle Ages, and it gradually replaced the Old English word "bleo" (especially as it pertained to visual perception of hue). Over time, the spelling of "color" in English changed to "colour" to align with French influence and spelling conventions.

Idioms with the word COLOUR

  • see the colour of sb's money To see the color of someone's money is an idiom that means to verify or ascertain if someone has the necessary funds to pay for something. It implies a level of skepticism or caution before engaging in a financial transaction or agreement.
  • a riot of colour The idiom "a riot of color" means a display or arrangement of vivid, bright, and contrasting colors that is visually striking and intense. It suggests a plethora of colors that are bold, vibrant, and energetic, creating a lively or chaotic visual effect.
  • the trooping of the colour The idiom "the trooping of the colour" refers to a traditional military ceremony in the United Kingdom, particularly associated with the British monarch's official birthday celebrations. It involves an elaborate display of military pageantry, including the marching of troops, horse parades, and the regimental flag being carried or "trooped" through the ranks. This event is often performed in front of members of the royal family and spectators, showcasing the strength and unity of the armed forces.
  • see the colour of money The idiom "see the colour of money" means to actually receive or obtain payment or tangible evidence of financial gain, rather than simply hearing promises or seeing potential for wealth. It implies that until one has the physical proof of money in hand or in the bank, they cannot be certain that a financial transaction has been successful.
  • lend colour to something The idiom "lend colour to something" means to contribute to the credibility, validity, or plausibility of something. It involves adding substance, support, or evidence to a statement, story, or argument, making it more convincing or believable.
  • see the colour of somebody’s money To "see the colour of somebody's money" means to receive proof or evidence of someone's ability to pay for something. It implies that before committing to or providing goods or services, one wants assurance that the person has the necessary funds or financial backing. This idiom is commonly used in business or financial contexts to ensure that a person's financial capability is confirmed before proceeding with a transaction.
  • dream in colour The idiom "dream in color" means to have big aspirations or ambitious goals. It refers to having vivid and imaginative dreams or aspirations that are not limited by practicality or feasibility. To "dream in color" suggests thinking beyond realistic or mundane possibilities and being driven by lofty ambitions.
  • lend colour to The idiom "lend colour to" means to give support, credibility, or plausibility to something, making it seem more believable or convincing. It implies adding substance or adding weight to an argument, statement, or explanation.
  • off colour The idiom "off colour" typically refers to someone or something appearing unwell, not in good health, or feeling poorly. It can also be used to describe something that is not appropriate or in bad taste.
  • see the colour of somebody's money The idiom "to see the color of somebody's money" means to determine whether or not someone is willing or able to pay for something or fulfill their financial obligations. It refers to the action of verifying someone's financial resources before engaging in a business transaction or making commitments.
  • see the colour of someone's money The idiom "see the colour of someone's money" means to ensure that someone has the necessary funds or resources before engaging in a business transaction or providing a service. It implies that one wants to verify the financial ability of an individual before committing to an agreement or arrangement.
  • the colour of someone's money "The colour of someone's money" is an idiomatic expression used to imply that a person or group of people are willing and capable of paying or covering expenses. It suggests that the important factor is not someone's background, appearance, or promises, but rather their ability to provide the necessary funds.
  • a horse of another colour The idiom "a horse of another colour" means that something is different or unrelated to what was previously discussed or expected. It implies a shift in topic or situation that may require a different approach or perspective.

Similar spelling words for COLOUR

Plural form of COLOUR is COLOURS

Conjugate verb Colour

CONDITIONAL

I would color
we would color
you would color
he/she/it would color
they would color
I would colour
you would colour
he/she/it would colour
we would colour
they would colour

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be colouring
you would be colouring
he/she/it would be colouring
we would be colouring
they would be colouring

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have colour
you would have colour
he/she/it would have colour
we would have colour
they would have colour

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been colouring
you would have been colouring
he/she/it would have been colouring
we would have been colouring
they would have been colouring

FUTURE

I will color
we will color
you will color
he/she/it will color
they will color
I will colour
you will colour
he/she/it will colour
we will colour
they will colour

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be colouring
you will be colouring
he/she/it will be colouring
we will be colouring
they will be colouring

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have colored
we will have colored
you will have colored
he/she/it will have colored
they will have colored
I will have coloured
you will have coloured
he/she/it will have coloured
we will have coloured
they will have coloured

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been colouring
you will have been colouring
he/she/it will have been colouring
we will have been colouring
they will have been colouring

IMPERATIVE

you colour
we let´s colour

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to colour

PAST

I colored
we colored
you colored
he/she/it colored
they colored
I coloured
you coloured
he/she/it coloured
we coloured
they coloured

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was colouring
you were colouring
he/she/it was colouring
we were colouring
they were colouring

PAST PARTICIPLE

coloured

PAST PERFECT

I had colored
we had colored
you had colored
he/she/it had colored
they had colored
I had coloured
you had coloured
he/she/it had coloured
we had coloured
they had coloured

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been colouring
you had been colouring
he/she/it had been colouring
we had been colouring
they had been colouring

PRESENT

I color
we color
you color
he/she/it colors
they color
I colour
you colour
he/she/it colours
we colour
they colour

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am colouring
you are colouring
he/she/it is colouring
we are colouring
they are colouring

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

colouring

PRESENT PERFECT

I have colored
we have colored
you have colored
he/she/it has colored
they have colored
I have coloured
you have coloured
he/she/it has coloured
we have coloured
they have coloured

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been colouring
you have been colouring
he/she/it has been colouring
we have been colouring
they have been colouring
I am coloring
we are coloring
you are coloring
he/she/it is coloring
they are coloring
I was coloring
we were coloring
you were coloring
he/she/it was coloring
they were coloring
I will be coloring
we will be coloring
you will be coloring
he/she/it will be coloring
they will be coloring
I have been coloring
we have been coloring
you have been coloring
he/she/it has been coloring
they have been coloring
I had been coloring
we had been coloring
you had been coloring
he/she/it had been coloring
they had been coloring
I will have been coloring
we will have been coloring
you will have been coloring
he/she/it will have been coloring
they will have been coloring
I would have colored
we would have colored
you would have colored
he/she/it would have colored
they would have colored
I would be coloring
we would be coloring
you would be coloring
he/she/it would be coloring
they would be coloring
I would have been coloring
we would have been coloring
you would have been coloring
he/she/it would have been coloring
they would have been coloring

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