Whites Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🤍
whites
[waɪts ]
Definitions
ethnic group
Whites refers to people who are racially categorized as white, particularly those of European descent. The term is often used in socio-political contexts to discuss issues related to race, identity, and inequality.
Synonyms
Anglos, Caucasians, Europeans.
Examples of usage
- Whites make up a significant portion of the population in many Western countries.
- The study examined the economic disparities between whites and minority groups.
- In conversations about diversity, it is important to consider the perspectives of whites as well.
color
The term 'whites' can refer to items that are of the color white, such as clothing or paint. This usage often appears in contexts where distinguishing between colors is necessary.
Synonyms
light colors, pale colors, whiteness.
Examples of usage
- Make sure to separate the whites from the colors when doing laundry.
- The art gallery featured a collection of whites and pastel colors.
- She wore a dress that was pure whites for the summer wedding.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, white symbolizes purity, peace, and innocence, often seen in weddings or religious ceremonies.
- In some cultures, white is worn during mourning, contrasting its associations with joy in Western traditions.
- The term also has complex social meanings in discussions about race and identity in contemporary societies.
Pop Culture
- Many characters in literature and film, like the White Rabbit from 'Alice in Wonderland,' use the color white to symbolize whimsy and innocence.
- The phrase 'white knight' in modern usage often refers to someone who saves or helps others, derived from the traditional image of gallant knights.
- In fashion, 'whites' are synonymous with sophistication and elegance, particularly in summer wardrobes.
Science
- In biology, the term can refer to white blood cells, essential for the immune system in fighting infections.
- The appearance of 'whiteness' in materials is often due to how they reflect light rather than inherent color properties.
- In the study of light, white is seen when all colors are combined, illustrating an important concept in physics.
Literature
- Numerous works use the color white symbolically to represent complex themes, such as purity or a blank slate.
- In poetry, white often juxtaposes darkness, creating powerful imagery of hope versus despair.
- The term appears in classic literature to describe characters, settings, and moral dichotomies, enhancing storytelling.
Origin of 'whites'
Main points about word origin
- 'White' originates from the Old English word 'hwita,' which also meant bright or shining.
- In Middle English, 'whites' referred to things that were clear or light in color.
- The usage of 'white' in English has evolved to not only describe color but also have cultural implications.
The term 'white' originates from the Old English word 'hwita,' which is a descriptor for the color without hue, reflecting light and absence of color saturation. Its roots can be traced back further to Proto-Germanic *hwitaz, which corresponds to similar terms in various Germanic languages, illustrating a long-standing use of the word to categorize various shades and the absence of darkness. In historical contexts, the classification of people as 'white' began to take form in the 17th and 18th centuries, especially in colonial and imperial narratives where racial hierarchies were established. The racial categorization has evolved and is often intertwined with social and political issues, sometimes creating controversies over identity and privilege. The application of the term extends beyond mere color classification, embodying complex socio-historical connotations that have significantly influenced contemporary discussions surrounding race and ethnicity.