Definition

Describing a material or dye that does not lose its color when washed or exposed to sunlight.

Example

The new curtains are made from colorfast fabric, so they won't fade in the sun.

Conversation

I just bought some new shirts, and I hope they're colorfast.

That’s smart! It's so annoying when colors fade after a few washes.

Right? I really want them to last a long time.

Definitely! You should check the labels to be sure they're colorfast.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Colorfast → It is formed from "color" (from Latin "color", meaning hue or tint) and "fast" (from Old English "fæst", meaning firm or fixed). The word "colorfast" means that a color is fixed and does not fade or run when washed or exposed to light.

Memory Tip

Think of a color that is 'fixed' ('fast') and does not fade — that's what colorfast means.

Visually Confused Words