Colorful

/ˈkʌlərfl/

adjectiveBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Having or characterized by a variety of bright colors.

/ˈkʌlərfl/

adjectivepositiveBeginner
General

Having many colors; bright and varied in color.

The garden was colorful with flowers of every hue.

💡 Simply: Imagine a box of crayons – that's colorful! Lots of different bright colors all together.

👶 For kids: Lots of bright colors!

More Examples

2

His personality was as colorful as his clothes.

How It's Used

Art

"The artist created a colorful painting."

Fashion

"She wore a colorful dress to the party."

2

Full of variety and interest; lively.

/ˈkʌlərfl/

adjectivepositiveIntermediate
Literature

Interesting and exciting; full of variety.

The speaker gave a colorful account of his travels.

💡 Simply: Like a really exciting story with lots of different things happening. Think of a superhero's life – lots of action!

👶 For kids: Exciting and fun!

More Examples

2

She had a colorful past, full of both triumphs and failures.

How It's Used

Figurative

"He led a colorful life, full of adventure."

Tip:Think of a colorful story – full of twists and turns!

From Middle English *colurful, from colour + -ful.

The word has been used in its literal sense since Middle English, and its figurative use developed later.

Memory tip

Think of a rainbow – full of COLOR and FULL of life!

colorfullcolourfull

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written