Colorize

/ˈkʌlərɪz/ verb

Definition

To add color to something that was originally in black and white, typically using computer software.

Etymology

From 'color' + '-ize' (suffix forming verbs). Emerged in the 1980s with digital technology that allowed automated colorization of old media.

Kelly Says

Colorizing a black-and-white photo is like giving it new life, but film historians debate whether we're 'restoring' history or 'rewriting' it with our modern color choices.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.