Pronunciation: [pˈastə͡l] (IPA) 
Pastel is a five letter word that is often used to describe soft, pale colors. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /pæˈstɛl/. The word is pronounced with a short ‘a’ sound in the first syllable as in ‘cat’, followed by an ‘e’ sound as in ‘elk’ and finally, ending with a clear ‘l’ sound. Despite its French origin, the spelling of the word pastel remains consistent in both French and English.
Pastel refers to a range of soft, delicate, and muted colors that are characterized by their pale and light appearance. It is commonly used to describe a particular color scheme that exudes a sense of tranquility and subtlety. Pastel colors are typically achieved by mixing a pure hue with varying amounts of white, resulting in a diluted and desaturated shade.
The term "pastel" is derived from the French word "pastiche," meaning paste, and it was originally associated with pastel drawing, a technique that employs sticks of powdered color mixed with a binder. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a wider range of colors beyond those commonly used in pastel artworks.
Pastel colors are often associated with sweetness, femininity, and a sense of nostalgia. They are frequently utilized in various forms of artistic expression, including painting, fashion, interior design, and graphic design. These soft hues are also employed in Wedgwood china, candy packaging, and children's toys.
In addition to the artistic realm, pastel is also commonly used in relation to makeup, particularly when describing shades of cosmetics that provide a subtle, natural look. Pastel clothing, accessories, and home decor items are also prevalent, as they can create a soothing and harmonious atmosphere.
In summary, "pastel" pertains to a range of light, soft, and gentle colors that are known for their delicate and muted appearance. This term is commonly used in various artistic and design contexts to describe a specific color palette associated with tranquility and subtlety.
A plant called the woad; a kind of paste made of different colours with gum-water, and used like a crayon; a coloured crayon.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* 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.
The word "pastel" originates from the Latin word "pastellum", which means "paste" or "dough.” This Latin term was derived from the Greek word "pasta", which translates to "barley porridge" or "wheat flour dough". The early usage of "pastel" was associated with various forms of dough or paste-like substances. However, over time, the term “pastel” came to be more specifically associated with a type of powdered pigment used for drawing or painting. Today, "pastel" commonly refers to both the artistic medium and the soft, light colors similar to those produced by pastels.
