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DictionarypastelPale color
adjective

pastel

pas-TEL/pæstˈɛl/

Pale and soft in color.

The bowls come in soft pastel shades.

A small still life of matte ceramic bowls in distinctly pale blush pink, mint green, powder blue, and soft lavender, making pale, soft color the dominant visible feature.
Etymology
pastelloItaliana pastel pigment or material made into paste

The chalk-like crayon gave its name to the pale, soft colors it produced; the deeper origin is uncertain.

More examples

  • She paints the room a pastel green.
  • The fabric has a gentle pastel hue.

Forms

pastel

Similar words

pale
Describes low color intensity more generally.
muted
Describes subdued color that need not be light.