blackness
The state, quality, or condition of being black or completely dark. In academic and sociological contexts, it often refers to the historical, cultural, and social identity associated with people of African descent.
Examples
3 of 5We could see nothing in the absolute blackness of the cellar.
We could see nothing in the absolute blackness of the cellar.
The author examines how blackness is constructed through cinematic techniques in the early 20th century.
The author examines how blackness is constructed through cinematic techniques in the early 20th century.
The power cut left the entire office block in total blackness.
The power cut left the entire office block in total blackness.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the suffix '-ness' as a box that holds a quality. In this box, you only have the color black.
Quick Quiz
The hikers were frightened when their flashlights failed, leaving them in complete ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: blackness
Examples
We could see nothing in the absolute blackness of the cellar.
everydayWe could see nothing in the absolute blackness of the cellar.
The author examines how blackness is constructed through cinematic techniques in the early 20th century.
academicThe author examines how blackness is constructed through cinematic techniques in the early 20th century.
The power cut left the entire office block in total blackness.
businessThe power cut left the entire office block in total blackness.
The ink-like blackness of the lake at night was both beautiful and terrifying.
literaryThe ink-like blackness of the lake at night was both beautiful and terrifying.
It was just pure blackness out there after the campfire died down.
informalIt was just pure blackness out there after the campfire died down.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
into the blackness
into the blackness
engulfed in blackness
engulfed in blackness
the blackness of night
the blackness of night
Often Confused With
Darkness is a general lack of light, whereas blackness specifically emphasizes the color black or an absolute, ink-like quality.
Usage Notes
Use 'blackness' when describing the literal absence of color or light. In humanities, capitalize 'Blackness' when referring to racial and cultural identity to show respect and specificity.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'blackness' as a verb; however, the correct verb form is 'blacken' (e.g., 'The smoke blackened the walls').
Memory Tip
Think of the suffix '-ness' as a box that holds a quality. In this box, you only have the color black.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English 'blæc' (black) combined with the Germanic suffix '-ness', indicating a state or condition.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In contemporary sociological discourse, Blackness is a central concept for discussing the African diaspora and racial justice.
Quick Quiz
The hikers were frightened when their flashlights failed, leaving them in complete ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: blackness
Related Words
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
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