Oxford gray
- noun
- /ˈɑksfərd ɡreɪ/
- US
:
gris Oxford
- The suit was tailored from fine Oxford gray fabric, giving it a timeless look.
Examples
-
The artist mixed several shades until she achieved the perfect Oxford gray for the background.
-
The walls were painted in a stylish Oxford gray.
-
He chose Oxford gray paint for the walls to create a sophisticated atmosphere.
-
He wore an Oxford gray suit to the interview.
-
The suit was tailored from fine Oxford gray fabric, giving it a timeless look.
-
He chose Oxford gray paint for the walls to create a sophisticated atmosphere.
-
He wore an Oxford gray suit to the interview.
Synonyms
90
1.0
A neutral color between black and white like a cloudy sky
7
1.0
A very deep grey color that reflects little light
5
1.7
A very dark grey color like burned wood
1
3.1
A very dark gray like the color of charcoal
1
4.8
A dark blue-gray color like a wet stone or a storm sky
1
3.1
A dark color that is black with a little grey
1
3.9
A dark grey color like iron
A dark blue-gray color often used for suits and uniforms
A dark blue-grey color artists use in painting
A dark color with a little purple or blue used in painting
A dark gray color that looks almost black
A very dark color that looks like black with a little grey
How Dark
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is a straightforward combination of a place/name modifier ('Oxford') and a color term ('gray'), so the meaning as a particular shade or style of gray associated with Oxford is directly inferable from the parts. Place-name + color constructions are cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would understand it denotes a specific gray tone even if they might not know the exact hue.
Etymology
Oxford gray may come from the old stone buildings and the dark academic clothes at Oxford, where the stones and gowns often looked the same deep gray. Because this color was linked to serious, 'traditional' dress and university walls, Oxford gray now means 'a very dark gray color'.