colourful feathers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "colourful feathers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe feathers that have bright and varied colors, often in the context of birds or fashion. Example: "The parrot displayed its vibrant plumage, showcasing its colourful feathers in the sunlight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It was served with its colourful feathers.

The Guardian

The unconsecrated cemetery's rusty gates are festooned with colourful feathers, trinkets and ribbons.

The Economist

Colourful feathers are relevant to numerous aspects of avian biology, including sexual selection, camouflage and communication.

The Guardian

It seemed exotic everywhere, never quite for the right reasons.Before the Spaniards brought the Mesoamerican turkey to Europe, it had been domesticated by forerunners of the Aztecs, first for its colourful feathers and then for its meat.

The Economist

In the future, random changes in zebra finches' DNA could well produce new beautiful traits like colourful feathers, which mates will then favour.

BBC

"The inspiration came when I recently was on a trip to Brazil and saw amazing tropical birds, each with beautifully colourful feathers and plumes," says creative director Silvia Venturini Fendi.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Its colourful golden crest feathers gives rise to its English and scientific names, and possibly to it being called the "king of the birds" in European folklore.

Wikipedia

Three differently plumaged types of male, including a rare form that mimics the female, use a variety of strategies to obtain mating opportunities at a lek, and the colourful head and neck feathers are erected as part of the elaborate main courting display.

Wikipedia

From it came the buckskin and beadwork costumes, feathered warbonnets, colourful porcupine quill decoration, and painted shields that personify the American Indian in the minds of most people.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a subsequent posting, Deacon asserted his familiarity with nearly every celebrated performance of this piece — he'd been the producer of a two-hundred-CD set called "Great Pianists of the 20th Century" — and declared Hatto's version superior: "It is just magical: light as a feather, fluent, colourful, textures limpid as a mountain spring, tonally luscious, rhythmically alive and bright.

The New Yorker

With its new Gin Bar, a "Master Suite" bedroom large enough to have its own six-seater table, and a new dining room nearing completion, The Feathers is now colourful and fun.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing birds or costumes, use "colourful feathers" to evoke a sense of vibrancy and visual appeal. Be mindful of the specific colours to further enhance the imagery.

Common error

While "colourful feathers" is appropriate for descriptive writing, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic contexts where more precise language may be required. Consider alternatives like "vibrant plumage" or specify the actual colours present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "colourful feathers" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying a noun to provide information about its visual appearance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The examples show its use in describing birds, costumes, and decorations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

16%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "colourful feathers" is a grammatically sound phrase used to vividly describe plumage or decorative items. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, primarily functioning as a descriptive element that adds aesthetic value. While its register is generally neutral, it's crucial to consider context, favoring precision over flamboyance in formal writing. Ludwig's examples, alongside analysis of source types, show the phrase's strongest presence in news, media and encyclopedic contexts. Alternative phrases like "vibrant plumage" and "brightly colored plumage" offer similar descriptive power. The phrase's symbolism often evokes beauty, freedom, or exoticism, enriching its use in descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vibrant plumage

Focuses on the overall vibrant quality of the plumage rather than individual feathers.

brightly colored plumage

A more descriptive and literal alternative, emphasizing the bright colors of the feathers as a whole.

vivid feathers

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the intensity and clarity of the colors.

multicolored plumage

Highlights the presence of multiple colors, implying a diverse palette.

brightly hued feathers

Uses a more formal tone, emphasizing the variety of bright hues present.

iridescent feathers

Suggests a shimmering, rainbow-like quality in the feathers.

kaleidoscopic plumage

Implies a complex and dynamic arrangement of colors, like a kaleidoscope.

variegated feathers

Describes feathers with irregular patches or streaks of different colors.

richly colored feathers

Highlights the depth and saturation of the colors.

colorfully adorned feathers

Emphasizes the decorative aspect of the feathers, suggesting they have been intentionally embellished.

FAQs

How can I use "colourful feathers" in a sentence?

You can use "colourful feathers" to describe the plumage of birds, such as "The parrot displayed its colourful feathers proudly", or to describe decorations or costumes, such as "The dancers wore costumes adorned with colourful feathers".

What are some synonyms for "colourful feathers"?

Alternatives to "colourful feathers" include "vibrant plumage", "brightly colored plumage", or "vivid feathers", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "colorful feathers" or "colourful feathers" correct?

"Colourful feathers" is the British English spelling, while "colorful feathers" is the American English spelling. Both are correct, but consistency should be maintained within a single piece of writing.

What does "colourful feathers" symbolize?

"Colourful feathers" can symbolize beauty, freedom, or exoticism, depending on the context. In some cultures, feathers also have spiritual or symbolic meanings.