Black

Definition

Black is used as an adjective, noun, and verb. As an adjective, it describes the darkest color, resulting from the absence or complete absorption of light. As a noun, it refers to the color itself or to a person with dark skin, especially in certain cultural contexts. As a verb, it means to make something black or dark in color.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /blæk/
• Respelling: BLAK

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /blæk/
• Respelling: BLAK

Etymology

The word "black" originates from Old English "blæc," meaning "dark" or "ink," which is related to the Old High German "blak" (burned) and Proto-Germanic "*blakaz," meaning "burned" or "blackened." Historically, the term has referred both to darkness and to the color resulting from burning or charring.

Derivatives

• Blacken (verb)
• Blackness (noun)
• Blackout (noun)
• Blacklist (noun/verb)
• Blackbird (noun)

Synonyms

• Dark
• Inky
• Charcoal

Antonyms

• White
• Bright
• Light

Usage

The term "black" is used in multiple contexts, including color, absence of light, mood, or metaphorical uses for darkness or secrecy. For example, "She wore a black dress," or "The power outage caused a complete black in the area."

Related Terms

• Dark: Lacking light or brightness; closer to black.
• Shade: A variation or degree of a color, often a darker form.
• Opaque: Not transparent or translucent; impenetrable to light.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Of the darkest color, absorbing all light: Used to describe the color that lacks light and appears as the opposite of white.
  • Example: "She painted the walls black."
• Dark or gloomy in mood: Used metaphorically to refer to a somber or sorrowful mood.
  • Example: "He felt a black despair after the loss."

Noun

• The color black: Refers to the hue that absorbs all light, appearing as the darkest color.
  • Example: "Black is often associated with elegance and formality."
• A person of African descent: Used in certain cultural and ethnic contexts to refer to a person with dark skin.
  • Example: "The community celebrates Black History Month in February."

Verb

• To make something black or dark: Describes the act of darkening or coloring an object black.
  • Example: "The smoke blackened the walls."