"Pastel colour" is a term that refers to a soft, muted shade that is often used in art and fashion. The spelling of "pastel" follows a common English pattern for words of French origin: the "s" is silent and the stress falls on the second syllable. Using the International Phonetic Alphabet, the spelling of "pastel" can be transcribed as /pæˈstɛl/. The "a" is pronounced as in "cat," the "e" is pronounced as in "dress," and the final "l" is pronounced softly.
Pastel colour refers to a light, soft, and delicate hue that is created by blending a pure, saturated color with white. These colors typically have a low saturation level. Pastel colors are often associated with a gentle and soothing aesthetic and are frequently used in various forms of art and design, such as fashion, interior decoration, and graphic design.
Pastel colors derive their name from the French word "pastel," which means paste, as these colors were initially made using powdered pigment mixed with a binder substance like gum arabic. They became popular during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in the realm of portrait painting.
Characterized by their subtle and muted appearance, pastel colors are known for their calming and serene qualities. Common pastel shades include pale pinks, soft blues, light yellows, muted greens, and lavender hues. These colors are often used to evoke feelings of tenderness, delicacy, and innocence.
Due to their gentle and understated nature, pastel colors are often employed to create a soft and harmonious environment. They are frequently used in nurseries, bedrooms, and serene spaces to create a peaceful and tranquil ambiance. In fashion, pastel colors are favored during the spring and summer seasons for their ability to create a fresh and airy feel.
Overall, pastel colors are defined by their light, washed-out appearance, making them highly sought after for their ability to evoke a sense of calmness, elegance, and sensitivity.
The word "pastel" comes from the French word "pastel" which means "paste", referring to the type of pigment used in creating these colors. The pastel pigments are created from a paste of pigment powder mixed with a white binder, giving them a soft and delicate appearance. The term "pastel color" is used to describe pale, light, and muted shades similar to those found in pastel artwork.