Pastel
/pæsˈtɛl/
Definitions
3 meaningsA drawing or painting made with pastels; a stick of colored chalk used for drawing.
/pæsˈtɛl/
A stick of colored chalk used for drawing.
The artist used pastels to capture the soft light of the sunrise.
💡 Simply: Imagine crayons, but a little softer and used by artists to make beautiful drawings! A pastel is both the colorful stick itself and the art created with it. Like, "She used a pastel to draw a picture of her cat."
👶 For kids: A pastel is like a special crayon artists use to draw pretty pictures.
More Examples
He preferred working with pastels because of their vibrant colors.
The museum featured a collection of Impressionist pastels.
How It's Used
"She used a variety of pastels to create a vibrant portrait."
A light, soft color.
/pæsˈtɛl/
A pale or light color.
The room was decorated in calming pastels.
💡 Simply: Pastel colors are like the gentle, soft colors you might see in a baby's room or on a sunny day. Think light pink, light blue, or pale yellow!
👶 For kids: Pastel is a light and pretty color, like baby blue or light pink!
More Examples
Pastel shades are often associated with spring.
She wore a pastel dress to the garden party.
How It's Used
"The spring collection featured a range of soft pastels."
"She chose a pastel palette for the nursery."
Having a light, soft color.
/pæsˈtɛl/
Having a soft and pale color.
The pastel walls created a relaxing atmosphere.
💡 Simply: Imagine a color that's light and gentle, like a pale pink or a soft blue. A pastel color is like that—soft and easy on the eyes.
👶 For kids: When something is pastel, it's a light, soft color like light pink or baby blue.
More Examples
She chose a pastel ribbon to wrap the gift.
The pastel hues of the sunset were breathtaking.
How It's Used
"She looked lovely in her pastel dress."
"The painting featured pastel colors."
From French *pastel*, from Italian *pastello*, diminutive of *pasta* 'paste'. Initially referred to a type of crayon, then the artwork created with it, and then a light or pale color.
Pastel, in its artistic sense, has been used since the Renaissance, with the medium gaining popularity in the 18th century. The term for color usage developed later.
Memory tip
Think of a colorful chalk stick that artists use to make beautiful artwork.