chroma

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chroma" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to color, such as art, design, and photography, to refer to the purity or intensity of a color. Example: "The artist chose a vibrant chroma for the sunset painting to evoke strong emotions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Under clear light the complementary to any chroma, shade, or tint can be seen if one "fixates," or stares at, one colour intently for a few seconds then looks at a neutral, preferably white, surface.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It defines colours by measured scales of hue, value, and chroma, which correspond respectively to dominant wavelength, brightness, and strength or purity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Munsell introduced his system in 1913 with the publication of the Atlas of the Munsell Color System, which featured 15 colour charts consisting of several hundred colour chips arranged according to the three characteristics of hue, value, and chroma.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If Rembrandtesque chiaroscuro suggests brown soup, Renoiresque chroma is orange juice.

The New Yorker

"I'll give them more chroma and see what comes back," she said a week later, in her studio.

The New Yorker

The other two are chroma and value".

The New Yorker

But step in front of one, and it alights with chroma, dimension and (as you continue to move) motion.

The New York Times

Slowly, chroma and variation emerge.

The New York Times - Travel

Large chunks of the film are graded in a blueish chroma, as if there is something off-colour about what's unfolding.

The Guardian - Film

Early and late in the day, that is where the chroma is.

The Guardian - Arts

The repertoire included Alvin Ailey's 1960 Revelations in addition to the company premiere of McGregor's Chroma and the world premiere of Robert Moses's The Pleasure of the Lesson.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing or scientific contexts, use "chroma" to quantify the purity of a color. For example, you can specify the chroma level to communicate precise colorimetric information.

Common error

Don't use "chroma" interchangeably with brightness or value. While related, "chroma" specifically refers to color purity, not lightness or darkness.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "chroma" is as a noun. It refers to a specific attribute of color, namely its purity or intensity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is correctly and effectively used in written English to describe color properties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chroma" is a noun that describes the purity or intensity of a color. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, particularly in contexts related to art, design, and science. It's important to distinguish "chroma" from related concepts like brightness and hue. High-quality sources such as The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica frequently employ this term, solidifying its position as a key descriptor in discussions about color. For alternatives, consider using "color saturation" or "color intensity" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

color saturation

Refers specifically to the intensity of color, similar to chroma.

color intensity

Directly relates to the brightness and strength of a color.

color purity

Highlights the absence of white or black mixed into a color.

color vividness

Emphasizes the liveliness and richness of a color.

hue intensity

Combines the concept of hue with the strength of color.

colorfulness

A general term for how much color is present.

spectral purity

Indicates how close a color is to a single wavelength of light.

color depth

Describes the range of colors available in an image or display.

shade saturation

Focuses on the saturation of a particular shade or variant of a color.

tint intensity

Refers to the intensity of a color lightened with white.

FAQs

How is "chroma" used in art and design?

In art and design, "chroma" refers to the purity or intensity of a color, affecting its overall vividness and impact. Adjusting chroma can dramatically change the mood and feel of a piece.

What is the relationship between "chroma" and saturation?

"Chroma" and "color saturation" are often used interchangeably to describe the intensity or purity of a color. However, some color models may differentiate them slightly based on specific calculations.

Can you provide examples of how to increase or decrease "chroma"?

To increase "chroma", you can add more pigment or use a purer form of the color. To decrease "chroma", you can mix the color with its complement or with gray, which will reduce its intensity. You can refer to "color intensity" to better undestand this.

What's the difference between "chroma" and "hue"?

"Chroma" refers to the intensity or purity of a color, while "hue" refers to the basic color family (e.g., red, blue, green). A hue can have varying levels of chroma, ranging from dull to vivid.