whiteness
UK: ˈwaɪtnəs | US: ˈwaɪtnəs
n. the quality or state of being white in color
n. (figurative) the state of being morally pure or innocent
n. (rare) paleness, as in complexion
The word "whiteness" combines the Old English root "hwīt" (meaning "bright" or "pale") with the suffix "-ness," which transforms adjectives into nouns denoting a state or condition. "Hwīt" traces back to Proto-Germanic *hwītaz and shares ancestry with words like German "weiß" and Dutch "wit." The suffix "-ness" is a productive morpheme in English, originating from Old English "-nes," used to form abstract nouns. Over time, "whiteness" evolved from simply describing color to encompassing metaphorical meanings like purity or innocence.
The whiteness of the snow blinded them under the midday sun.
Her dress was a striking whiteness against the dark backdrop.
The poet used whiteness as a symbol of spiritual clarity.
The whiteness of his hair betrayed his age.
Critics debated the cultural implications of whiteness in the novel.