What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
colourful
Example
The garden was filled with colourful flowers of all shapes and sizes. [colourful: adjective]
Example
She has a colourful personality and always brings joy to the room. [colourful: adjective]
varied
Example
The menu at the restaurant is varied, offering dishes from different cuisines. [varied: adjective]
Example
Her job allows her to have a varied schedule, with different tasks every day. [varied: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Varied is more commonly used than colourful in everyday language. Varied is a versatile word that can be applied to a wide range of contexts, while colourful is more specific and often used in visual descriptions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between colourful and varied?
Both colourful and varied can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Neither word is particularly more formal or informal than the other.