Colored
/ˈkʌl.ərd/noun
Having or showing a particular color; historically, also used in racial terminology, now often outdated or context-dependent.
Did you know?The origin of Latin color is uncertain, but scholars have traditionally linked it—cautiously—to a root meaning “to cover” or “hide,” suggesting color was imagined as a surface veil.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kel-
“To cover, conceal, or hide; this proposed root is associated with several later words, though the connection to color remains debated.”
Ancient Latin
Latin
color
“Color, hue, or appearance; its ultimate origin is uncertain and may be connected with the idea of a covering or surface appearance.”
Old French
Old French
colour
“Color or hue, inherited from Latin color.”
14th Century
Middle English
colouren
“To give color to, tint, or adorn; from Old French colourer.”
15th Century
English
colored
“The past participle of color, meaning given a particular hue or appearance.”
Modern English
English
colored
“Having a particular color; in some historical contexts, used as a racial descriptor whose acceptability depends strongly on region and context.”