analogous color

noun

1. Art.,  any one of a group of related colors that are near each other on the color wheel, a circular chart that shows gradations of color.

   Red, orange, and yellow are analogous colors.

Word History and Origins

Origin of analogous color¹

First recorded in 1875–80

When To Use

What does analogous color mean?

Colors are called analogous colors when they are very similar to each other, especially when they are next to each other on a color wheel. For example, red, red-orange, and orange are analogous colors.Analogous colors are typically discussed in terms of their relationship and closeness to each other on a color wheel, which is a circular chart that shows shades of color that gradually blend into one another (much like how they do in a rainbow). An analogous color is also called an analogous hue.The term analogous color is used in art when discussing the relationships of colors, especially in contrast to complementary colors, which are located in opposite positions on a color wheel.[caption id="attachment_148119" align="alignnone" width="300"] Color wheel: Getty[/caption]