colourful

UK: ˈkʌləf(ə)l | US: ˈkʌlərf(ə)l

Definition

  1. adj. full of bright colors or varied hues

  2. adj. vivid, lively, or striking in character

  3. adj. (of language) rich in imagery or detail

Structure
colour <color, from Latin *color*>ful <full of, adjective-forming suffix from Old English *-full*>
Etymology

The word colourful combines colour, derived from Latin color (meaning "hue, appearance"), with the Old English suffix -ful (meaning "full of"). The suffix -ful was originally an independent word (full) but became a productive suffix in English to form adjectives indicating abundance. The fusion reflects a straightforward descriptive logic: "full of color." Over time, colourful expanded beyond literal colorfulness to describe vividness in language or character.

Examples

  1. The garden was colourful with blooming flowers in every shade.

  2. She wore a colourful scarf that brightened the room.

  3. His speech was colourful, filled with witty anecdotes.

  4. The market stalls displayed colourful fruits and vegetables.

  5. The artist’s palette was unusually colourful, favoring bold contrasts.