Blackness as a concept extends beyond mere physical appearance to encompass a range of symbolic meanings. In the arts, blackness is often explored to represent mystery, depth, and the unknown, while in social and political contexts, it can signify oppression, identity, or empowerment. The term "blackness" has been explored in literature, philosophy, and social movements, often as a way to challenge or reflect upon societal norms and racial dynamics.
Word 'blackness' in Other Languages
- blackness in Assamese অসমীয়া
- blackness in Bengali বাংলা
- blackness in Bodo बड़ो
- blackness in Dogri डोगरी
- blackness in English
- blackness in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
- blackness in Hindi हिन्दी
- blackness in Kannada ಕನ್ನಡ
- blackness in Kashmiri कॉशुर
- blackness in Konkani कोंकणी
- blackness in Maithili মৈথিলী
- blackness in Malayalam മലയാളം
- blackness in Manipuri মৈতৈলোন্
- blackness in Marathi मराठी
- blackness in Nepali नेपाली
- blackness in Oriya ଓଡ଼ିଆ
- blackness in Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
- blackness in Sanskrit संस्कृतम्
- blackness in Santali
- blackness in Sindhi سنڌي
- blackness in Tamil தமிழ்
- blackness in Telugu తెలుగు
- blackness in Urdu اُردُو
Blackness
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
/ˈblaknəs/
Definitions
- The state or quality of being black or dark in color.
- The absence of light, or a deep, intense darkness.
- A figurative concept referring to evil, obscurity, or negativity.
Usage Examples
- The blackness of the night sky was overwhelming.
- Her heart was filled with the blackness of sorrow.
- The blackness of the cave made it impossible to see anything.
Etymology
From Middle English "blaknesse," originating from Old English "blæc" (black) + "-ness," a suffix forming nouns that express a state or condition. The term has been used since the 14th century to describe the quality of being black or dark.
Synonyms
- Darkness
- Obscurity
- Gloom
- Night
- Dimness
Antonyms
- Light
- Brightness
- Clarity
- Radiance
- Daylight
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hindi | कालेपन | kaalepan |
| Spanish | Oscuridad | os-koo-ree-dad |
| French | Noirceur | nwar-sur |
| German | Dunkelheit | doon-kel-hite |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 黑暗 | hēi'àn |
| Italian | Oscurità | os-koo-ree-ta |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- British: /ˈblaknəs/
- American: /ˈblaknəs/
Historical Usage
The term "blackness" has been used throughout history to describe physical darkness as well as metaphorical darkness, such as moral or emotional obscurity. It has been a central theme in literature, particularly in contexts describing the absence of hope, light, or virtue. The concept has been explored in various cultures and time periods, often symbolizing evil or the unknown.
Cultural Nuances
In many cultures, blackness has symbolic meanings that go beyond its literal meaning of color. It can be associated with mystery, mourning, evil, or fear, but it also symbolizes strength, elegance, and depth. The perception of blackness can vary greatly depending on cultural and societal contexts, especially when it is used to represent human experiences such as suffering or resilience.