Whiteness: meaning, definitions and examples

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whiteness

[ˈwaɪtnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

color

The quality or state of being white in color.

Synonyms

albinism, bleached, pallor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
whiteness	Used generally to describe the quality or state of being white. It can be used in various contexts such as art, nature, or to describe a general characteristic. The whiteness of the snow was breathtaking. She admired the whiteness of the newly painted walls.
pallor	Used to describe an unhealthy or unnatural pale appearance in the skin, often due to illness or shock. This term has a negative connotation. His pallor indicated that he was not feeling well. The pallor on her face was unmistakable after hearing the bad news.
albinism	Used specifically in medical or biological contexts to describe a condition where there is an absence of melanin, resulting in very pale skin, hair, and eyes. Albinism is a genetic condition that affects the pigmentation of the skin. Animals with albinism are very rare in the wild.
bleached	Typically used to describe something that has been whitened or lightened by chemicals or exposure to sunlight. Often used in the context of hair, cloth, and other materials. She bleached her hair blonde last summer. The fabric was bleached to achieve its pure white color.

Examples of usage

The whiteness of the snow was blinding in the sunlight.
She admired the purity of the whiteness of the wedding dress.
The whiteness of the walls made the room feel more spacious.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

race

The state of being white in terms of race or ethnicity.

Synonyms

Caucasian, Eurocentric, white person.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
whiteness	Use this term when describing the attribute of being white or the concept relating to white people as a group, often in discussions about race and social dynamics. The concept of whiteness in society shapes many aspects of cultural expectations. She examined the role of whiteness in the workplace.
Caucasian	This term is often used in formal or academic contexts to describe people of European descent. It is sometimes considered outdated or insensitive. The form requested my ethnicity and I selected 'Caucasian'. The study included participants of Caucasian descent.
white person	This is a straightforward term used in casual and formal language to describe an individual of European descent. He is the first white person in his family to marry an Asian partner. A white person participated in the conversation about diversity.
Eurocentric	Use this term to describe a perspective that prioritizes European culture and norms, often to the exclusion or detriment of other cultures. The history curriculum was criticized for being too Eurocentric. Her views on beauty are quite Eurocentric.

Examples of usage

Whiteness has historically been associated with privilege and power in many societies.
Discussions about whiteness and privilege are important in understanding systemic racism.
The concept of whiteness as a social construct is a topic of academic study.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from the Old English word 'hwita', which means 'bright' or 'shining'.
In linguistic evolution, 'whiteness' has developed to encompass various social and cultural meanings beyond just color.

Society and Culture

Discussions around whiteness often explore themes of privilege and power dynamics in different societies.
Whiteness can symbolize both a social identity and a perspective that has historically shaped views on race.

Philosophy

Philosophers and theorists analyze whiteness critically, examining how it influences notions of normalcy and difference in society.
This concept urges a reevaluation of accepted beauty standards, pushing for diversity in representation.

Psychology

Studies show that societal views on color, including whiteness, can significantly impact self-esteem and identity.
Research indicates that unconscious biases related to race can affect social interactions and perceptions in favor of perceived 'whiteness'.

Art and Literature

In art, whiteness often represents blankness, innocence, and potential, allowing for contrasting colors to stand out.
Literary works sometimes utilize whiteness symbolically to address themes of purity versus corruption.

Translations

Translations of the word "whiteness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 brancura

🇮🇳 श्वेतता

🇩🇪 Weißheit

🇮🇩 putih

🇺🇦 білизна

🇵🇱 białość

🇯🇵 白さ

🇫🇷 blancheur

🇪🇸 blancura

🇹🇷 beyazlık

🇰🇷 백색

🇸🇦 بياض

🇨🇿 bělost

🇸🇰 bielosť

🇨🇳 白色

🇸🇮 belina

🇮🇸 hvítleiki

🇰🇿 ақтық

🇬🇪 თეთრიანობა

🇦🇿 ağlıq

🇲🇽 blancura

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,178, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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14175 totalitarian
14176 imbued
14177 cot
14178 whiteness
14179 enquire
14180 incised
14181 eddy
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