profusion of colours

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profusion of colours" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large or extravagant variety of colors in a particular context, such as art, nature, or design. Example: "The garden was a stunning display, featuring a profusion of colours that captivated every visitor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Don't miss the brightly coloured, fibre sculptures of the Tjanpi Desert Weavers including Marlene Rubuntja's depictions of women's life in the desert through her eccentric wool sculptures, embroidered in a profusion of colours.

The Guardian - Travel

Namarata Joshi of Outlook gave a mixed review and said that while the film "makes you laugh and cry alternately", the shenanigans were nevertheless "fake and affected" and "monochromatic despite the profusion of colours".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

For me it captures an Australia that had finally shaken off its colonial hangover of cultural cringe, and – with an anarchic profusion of colour and brightness – boldly parted ways from its dreary, rain-washed, buttoned-up "mother country".

The Guardian - Arts

From China to the Czech Republic, a profusion of new colour is inspiring ambitious home horticulturists to read what the experts have to say.

The Economist

Meantime the agitation of the Spaniard had a little loosened the bunting from around him, so that one broad fold swept curtain-like over the chair-arm to the floor, revealing, amid a profusion of armorial bars and ground-colour — black, blue and yellow — a closed castle in a blood-red field diagonal with a lion rampant in a white.

The New Yorker

The distinct line that separates the red part of the lip from its paler surroundings is called the vermilion border; thin skin and a profusion of capillaries give it its distinctive colour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

'The migrating whales, the mating elephant seals, the profusion of wildflowers – everything comes alive in colour from January to April.'.

BBC

Miss Drury Lowes : list of colours.

Yale University

This color is due to the profusion of oxygen atoms in the lattice structure.

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

Similarly with musical colour, or timbre; the 19th century produced a great profusion of compositions, particularly in the orchestral repertoire (e.g., works by Liszt and Berlioz) that exploited the unique sonorities of instruments; control of volume was, in itself, a rich source of colour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At their best these carpets are extremely handsome, combining an elaborate overall repeat pattern of ogival lozenges with a profusion of extravagantly styled blossoms of varied form, in a wide range of rich and harmonious colours.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profusion of colours" to vividly describe scenes in art, nature, or design where a large and diverse range of colors is present. For instance, "The artist captured the "profusion of colours" in the sunset, creating a breathtaking masterpiece."

Common error

Avoid using "profusion of colours" when a simpler description suffices. Saying "The flowers were colourful" is often more effective than forcing "profusion of colours" into the sentence if the variety isn't particularly noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profusion of colours" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence, or as a complement to a verb. Ludwig confirms its validity, indicating it's a grammatically sound way to describe an abundance of colors.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "profusion of colours" is a grammatically correct and evocative phrase used to describe a rich and varied display of colors. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's suitable for neutral to slightly formal contexts, particularly in describing art, nature, or design. While alternatives like "abundance of colors" or "riot of colors" exist, "profusion of colours" emphasizes a more extravagant and unrestrained display. Though its frequency is rare, its usage is valid and appropriate when a vivid description of many colors is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abundance of colors

Replaces "profusion" with "abundance", maintaining the emphasis on a large quantity of colors.

riot of colors

Emphasizes the vibrant and unrestrained nature of the colors.

wealth of colors

Highlights the richness and variety of the colors.

kaleidoscope of colors

Suggests a constantly changing and diverse array of colors.

multitude of colors

Similar to "abundance", but implies a great number of distinct colors.

extensive range of colors

Focuses on the breadth and scope of the color palette.

vibrant spectrum of colors

Highlights the brightness and diversity of the color display.

lavish display of colors

Implies an extravagant and opulent presentation of colors.

rich tapestry of colors

Suggests a complex and interwoven arrangement of colors.

vast assortment of colors

Emphasizes the wide variety and selection of colors present.

FAQs

How can I use "profusion of colours" in a sentence?

You can use "profusion of colours" to describe scenes with a rich variety of colours, like "The garden displayed a "profusion of colours" in the springtime."

What's the difference between "profusion of colours" and "abundance of colors"?

"Profusion of colours" and "abundance of colors" are similar, but "profusion" suggests a more extravagant or unrestrained display, while "abundance" simply means a large quantity.

What are some alternatives to "profusion of colours"?

Alternatives include "riot of colors", "wealth of colors", or "kaleidoscope of colors", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "profusion of colors" or "profusion of colours" more common?

"Profusion of colors" (with 'colors') is more common in American English, while "profusion of colours" (with 'colours') is more common in British English. Both are grammatically correct.