gold/golden

[AUTOMOON]

According to Cobuild, gold is only a noun,
- She is wearing a gold shirt.

while golden is only an adjective.
-a golden chain with a golden locket

Is there any difference when gold is used as a color, while golden is modifying the color? :?:

 

[RonBee]

Gold is used as both a noun and an adjective.

• gold
  http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=gold

Golden, however, is only used as an adjective.

• golden
  http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=golden

When used as an adjective, gold more often than not means made of gold or containing gold.

• gold
  http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/dictionary/DictionaryResults.aspx?refid=1861614515

8)

 

[AUTOMOON]

Then do you think if there are any differences when you say "a gold shirt"
instead of "a golden shirt"?

 

[RonBee]

No. I do think gold shirt is more likely to be used.

 

[Tdol]

I wouldn't say 'golden' there, but would for hair. ;-)

 

[RonBee]

I wouldn't say 'golden' there, but would for hair. ;-)

As in golden-haired boy?

:wink:

 

[Tdol]

Her hair is golden. She has golden hair. They both sound OK, but I'd use the the second morw. ;-)