# autumn

/ˈɔtəm/ (US) · /ˈɔːtʌm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/autumn
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 2. later years of life

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

the later part of a person's life or the end of a successful period.

For teachers: a metaphorical period of decline or the stage of life following one's prime.

- In the autumn of his life, the old man moved to a quiet house by the sea.
- The statesman spent the autumn of his career writing memoirs that reflected on the turbulent political shifts he had witnessed.

### 3. colour palette

noun · CEFR B2

a person who looks best in warm, earthy colours like gold and brown.

For teachers: a classification in seasonal colour analysis referring to individuals with warm skin undertones and high contrast features.

- She realized she was an autumn after trying on a bright orange scarf.
- The stylist recommended earthy tones and rich golds, noting that her client's complexion was perfectly suited to the autumn palette.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.