Black Meaning and Definition
Black
Pronunciation
/ˈblæk/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
A black thing, substance, or object is one that has little to no light-absorbing or reflecting properties, appearing as dark or hollow, often characterized by the absence of color or the absorption of all wavelengths of visible light.
Examples
1. “The black hole’s event horizon was invisible to human eyes.”
2. “She wore a black dress to the funeral.”
Synonyms
1. Dark
2. Ebony
Antonyms
1. White
2. Light-colored
Etymology
The word “black” has its roots in the Old English word “blæc,” which was derived from the Proto-Germanic “blakiz” and the Proto-Indo-European “pleg-.” The term has evolved over time, influenced by various cultural and linguistic factors, to become the modern English word for “black.”
Usage Notes
When using the word “black” as an adjective, it is essential to consider the shades and nuances of the darkness described. For example, “black as coal” implies a very dark, almost absolute darkness, while “black as night” suggests a complete lack of light.
Cultural References
The term “black” has appeared in numerous cultural works, including literature, music, and film. Notable examples include the novel “Black Beauty” by Anna Sewell, the song “Blackbird” by The Beatles, and the film “Black Panther” by Marvel Studios.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
1. “Black as coal” – extremely dark or gloomy
2. “Black out” – to lose consciousness or memory
3. “Black mail” – to extort money or favors by threatening to reveal damaging information
Collocations
1. Black coffee
2. Black dog
3. Black widow
Frequency of Use
The word “black” is one of the most commonly used words in the English language, appearing in approximately 1.4% of all written text and 2.5% of spoken language.
Common Misspellings
1. Blak
2. Blakc
3. Blakck