coloured: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Formal to Neutral (but highly context-sensitive; racial usage is dated/offensive in many contexts)
Quick answer
What does “coloured” mean?
having colour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
having colour; not black, white, or plain
Used to describe something influenced or biased in a particular way. Also historically and in certain contexts (esp. South Africa) used as a racial classification for people of mixed ethnic origin.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK: Standard spelling for verb forms (coloured, colouring) and as an adjective. US: Verb forms are 'colored', 'coloring'. Both use the adjective form with their respective spellings. The racial term is more strongly avoided in modern American usage.
Connotations
In both varieties, the non-racial uses are neutral. The racial term carries strong historical baggage associated with segregation and discrimination.
Frequency
The verb form is common. The adjectival use for objects is common. The racial use is low-frequency and declining in all varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “coloured” in a Sentence
be coloured + [COLOUR] (The sky was coloured pink)colour + object (She coloured the drawing)be coloured by + [ABSTRACT NOUN] (His judgement was coloured by prejudice)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coloured” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She coloured the map in carefully.
- He coloured with embarrassment when praised.
American English
- She colored the map in carefully.
- He colored with embarrassment when praised.
adjective
British English
- She bought a pack of coloured pencils.
- His view was heavily coloured by his upbringing.
American English
- She bought a pack of colored pencils.
- His view was heavily colored by his upbringing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in design/marketing (e.g., 'coloured variants of the product').
Academic
Used in arts, history (e.g., 'coloured manuscripts'), and social sciences (with caution regarding historical racial terminology).
Everyday
Common for describing objects, art, and appearance. Racial use is generally avoided.
Technical
Used in printing ('four-colour process'), optics, and biology ('coloured plumage').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coloured”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coloured”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coloured”
- Using 'coloured people' as a modern synonym for 'people of colour' (it is not).
- Misspelling: 'colorred', 'collored'.
- Using it as a noun for people in contemporary international contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in British English. In American English, the spelling is 'colored'.
No, in modern English, using 'coloured' as a descriptor for people is widely considered archaic and offensive. The acceptable modern term is 'person/people of colour', but it should be used with understanding of its specific social context.
'Coloured' means having colour(s) applied or added. 'Colorful' implies being full of many bright or interesting colours, or being vivid and interesting (e.g., a colorful character).
Because 'coloured' is not standardly used as an adverb. The adverbial form would be 'colourfully'.
having colour.
Coloured is usually formal to neutral (but highly context-sensitive; racial usage is dated/offensive in many contexts) in register.
Coloured: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkʌləd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkʌlərd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “see things in their true colours”
- “show your true colours”
- “with flying colours”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'COLOUR' + 'ED' like 'PAINT' + 'ED' – something that has had colour added to it.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTION/INFLUENCE IS A COLOUR (e.g., 'a memory coloured by nostalgia', 'a biased opinion is a coloured view').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'coloured' most likely to be considered problematic?