Definition color in American English

Talking or writing about colors

general

shade one of the different types of a particular color, especially when describing how dark or light it is: a deep shade of red ♦ subtle shades of blue and green

tone one of the different types of a particular color: a delicate pink tone ♦ eye shadow in tones of green and brown

-ish used with colors to make adjectives describing things that look a little like that color: reddish hair

dark colors

dark used for describing colors that look more like black than like white: dark green pants ♦ I think the color on the walls is much too dark.

deep used for describing dark colors, especially when they look attractive: beautiful deep blue eyes

rich used for describing dark colors that look beautiful and expensive: rich brown velvet

somber dark in a way that seems appropriate for a serious occasion or use: The men were wearing somber suits and black ties.

bright colors

bright strong and noticeable: bright yellow paint

vibrant bright in a way that looks exciting: curtains in vibrant shades of red

colorful brightly colored, or having a lot of bright colors: wonderfully colorful saris

loud bright in a way that you think looks silly or ugly: He tends to wear silk shirts and loud ties.

gaudy very brightly colored, especially in a way that you think shows bad taste: Look at those gaudy purple sunglasses!

garish very brightly colored, especially in a way that you think does not look attractive: garish reds and bright yellows

pale colors

pale like white with a small amount of a color mixed in: pale gray feathers

light pale instead of dark: Light colors work best in north-facing rooms. ♦ a light blue shirt

pastel pale in a soft and attractive way: used also as a noun referring to a pastel color or something of such a color: summer dresses in pastel shades ♦ She often wears pastels. ♦ pastel pink