How to pronounce colorful
Say it like KUHL-er-ful. Colorful has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUHL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce colorful. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KUHL
- er
- ful
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Colorful pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KUHLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- fulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of colorful
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KUHL-uh-ful.
What does colorful mean?
- having much or varied color“colorful autumn leaves”
- striking in variety and interest“a colorful period of history”“a colorful character”
- having color or a certain color; sometimes used in combination“colored crepe paper”“the film was in color”
Where does colorful come from?
From color + -ful.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- colourful
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying colorful
How do you pronounce colorful?
Say KUHL-er-ful. The American pronunciation is /ˈkʌlɚfəl/. In British English it is /ˈkʌləfəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in colorful?
Colorful has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUHL). Broken into parts: KUHL · er · ful.
Is colorful pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈkʌləfəl/ (KUHL-uh-ful).