colourable

colourable

A child uses a colourable picture book.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Seemingly valid or plausible: "colourable" describes something that appears to be true, reasonable, or legally sound, but may be merely superficial or deceptive.
    • Capable of being colored: In a literal sense, "colourable" can mean able to take on color or be dyed.
    • Counterfeit or deceptive: It can also refer to something that is made to look genuine or authentic in order to deceive.
Usage Examples
  • (An argument that seems plausible but is not truly valid.)
  • (The material can be easily colored.)
  • (A deceptive copy that looks like the real thing.)
Advanced Usage

  • "colourable claim": In legal contexts, a claim that appears to have merit on the surface but may lack substance.

    • The court dismissed the colourable claim after reviewing the evidence. (The claim seemed valid but was ultimately unfounded.)

  • "colourable pretext": A false reason or excuse that is made to appear legitimate.

    • He used a colourable pretext to avoid attending the meeting. (An excuse that sounds reasonable but is not genuine.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Color (n): the property of producing different sensations on the eye as a result of light reflection.

    • The color of the sky is blue. (Visual hue.)

  • Colorable (adj): alternative spelling of "colourable," meaning plausible or capable of being colored.

    • The argument was colorable but not convincing. (Seemingly valid.)

  • Colorably (adv): in a manner that appears plausible or deceptive.

    • He colorably claimed to be the rightful owner. (He claimed in a seemingly genuine way.)
Synonyms
  • Plausible: appearing reasonable or probable.
  • Specious: superficially plausible but actually wrong.
  • Deceptive: giving an appearance different from the true one.
Related Idioms

  • A wolf in sheep's clothing: something that appears harmless but is dangerous or deceptive.

    • The colourable offer seemed generous, but it was a wolf in sheep's clothing. (A deceptive appearance.)

  • Paint a rosy picture: to describe something in a way that makes it seem better than it is.

    • The colourable report painted a rosy picture of the company's finances. (A misleadingly positive description.)