Whiteness

/ˈhwaɪt.nəs/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The quality or state of being white.
The whiteness of the freshly fallen snow created a serene landscape.
Absence of color; the degree of lightness in color.
The artist was captivated by the whiteness of the canvas before he began to paint.
The state of being free from blemishes or stains.
She took pride in the whiteness of her laundry after using a powerful detergent.
Cultural or social implications of being identified as a member of the white race.
The discussion focused on the privileges associated with whiteness in contemporary society.

Etymology

From Old English 'hwita', related to 'white'

Common Phrases and Expressions

white as snow
Extremely white or pure in appearance.
whiteness of the page
Referring to the blankness or emptiness of a page.
white privilege
Social advantages that white people experience based on their race.

Related Words

whiten
To make or become white.
whitewash
To cover up unpleasant facts or to make something appear better than it is.
whiteout
A weather condition where visibility is severely reduced by snowfall or fog.

Slang Meanings

Whitewashing
The film faced criticism for its whiteness in casting.
Woke white
He identified as a woke white, advocating for racial equality.