The words ‘color’, and ‘colour’ are used to refer to the characteristic of an object through which the objects portrays different sensations in the eye of an individual after reflecting or emitting light. The two terms can also be used be to refer to the pigmentation of the skin of an individual hence indicating the race of an individual.

However, many people have not been able to understand the difference between the two terms thereby using them interchangeably, which confuses their audience.

Main Difference

The only common difference between color and colour is that the term ‘color’ is used by Americans to refer to the sensation of an object after reflecting away light or relating to the pigmentation of an individual.

Examples of sentences

• The color of an individual is a significant determinant when it comes to employment opportunities in former slave states.
• Majority of the countries around the world have a red color on their flags.
• Birds have different colors, which makes them attractive and joyous to watch.

On the other hand, the term ‘colour’ is used by other English speaking countries around the world. Great Britain and all its colonies, which form the Commonwealth league of nations use the term ‘colour’ to refer to pigmentation of an individual or the sensation shown by an object when it emits light or after reflecting away light. Some of the countries, which use the term colour, include the United Kingdom countries, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and other Commonwealth countries.

Examples of sentences

• The colour of an individual is a significant determinant when it comes to employment opportunities in former slave states.
• Majority of the countries around the world have a red colour on their flags.
• Birds have different colours, which makes them attractive and joyous to watch.

Recommendations

• Use ‘color’ when addressing the United States audience
• Use ‘colour’ when addressing audience from other countries around the world
• If English falls to be your second language, it is essential to stick with the spelling that you were taught while learning.
• Lastly, if you are addressing an international audience, choose to be consistent by either using ‘color’ or ‘colour’ in your text.

Summary of Color and Colour

• Different English words have different spelling but refer to the same thing or are used to describe a specific phenomenon.
• It is essential to understand that the differences between the spellings are prevalent between the American English and the Commonwealth English.
• Therefore, it is essential to understand your audience before choosing which spelling to you.

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