WHITE Meaning and
Definition
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White is an adjective that is commonly used to describe the color of pure snow or milk. It is characterized by the absence or nearly complete absence of color, reflecting all visible wavelengths of light equally. In the RGB color model, white is the combination of all primary colors (red, green, and blue) at maximum intensity. It is often associated with cleanliness, purity, innocence, and simplicity.
White can also have symbolic interpretations and cultural connotations. For instance, in many Western cultures, it is traditionally associated with peace, marriage, and spirituality. In some religious contexts, white is considered sacred and is worn during important ceremonies or rituals. However, the symbolic meaning of white can vary across different cultures and contexts.
Beyond color, "white" can also have broader meanings. It can be used as a noun to refer to a person belonging to a specific racial or ethnic group with light-colored skin, which has historically carried social and political implications. Additionally, "white" can be employed figuratively to describe something that is pure, untouched, or untainted.
Overall, "white" encompasses various dimensions and can refer to color, symbolism, race, and more. Its meaning can differ depending on the context and cultural background, highlighting the complex and multifaceted nature of language and its interpretations.
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The color resulting from the perfect commingling of all the rays of the spectrum without absorption of any; the color of chalk or of snow.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• Having the hue or colour of pure snow, or approaching to it; destitute of colour; pure; innocent; unclouded; purified from sin.
• One of the natural colours of bodies like pure snow; opposite of black; a colour resulting from a certain combination of all the prismatic colours; a white man, as opposed to a black man.
• To make white in colour.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for WHITE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for WHITE
Etymology of WHITE
The word "white" can be traced back to the Old English word "hwīt", which is similar to the Proto-Germanic word "hwītaz". This Proto-Germanic term ultimately has Indo-European roots, coming from the reconstructed word "khweytos". The word "white" has cognates in various Germanic languages, such as German "weiß" and Dutch "wit". The Indo-European root "khweytos" also gives rise to words like "whitewash" and "whiten".
Idioms with the word WHITE
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see things in black and white
The idiom "see things in black and white" means to perceive or understand things as being either completely right or completely wrong, without considering any shades of gray or considering different perspectives or possibilities. It refers to a rigid and simplistic view of situations, lacking nuance or understanding of complexities.
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(as) white as a sheet
The idiom "(as) white as a sheet" is typically used to describe someone's face or complexion when they appear extremely pale or frightened. It suggests that the person's skin has lost all color and turned as white as a plain sheet of paper.
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be (down) in black and white
The idiom "be (down) in black and white" means that something is clearly and explicitly stated or written, leaving no room for misinterpretation. It signifies having official documentation or evidence that can be easily understood and referred to. The phrase originated from the practice of using black ink for writing and printing, contrasting with white paper, which makes it easily readable and indisputable.
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pretend that black is white
To "pretend that black is white" means to intentionally deny or distort the truth, facts, or reality. It suggests pretending that something obviously true or evident is actually false or vice versa. This idiom often refers to someone's deliberate attempt to deceive or mislead others by denying what is obvious or denying the reality of a situation.
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put down in black and white
The idiom "put down in black and white" means to record or document something in writing, usually in a clear and formal manner. It implies converting spoken words or ideas into written form to provide clarity, accuracy, and prevention of misunderstanding.
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bleed sm white
The idiom "bleed someone white" typically means to drain someone of their financial resources, often through excessive or continuous demands for money or by exploiting their generosity. It implies that the individual is being metaphorically bled until they are financially exhausted or bankrupt.
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be as white as a sheet
The idiom "be as white as a sheet" means to be extremely pale, usually due to fear, shock, illness, or a sudden loss of color in one's face. It implies a lack of blood circulation, resulting in a ghostly or ash-like complexion.
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be as white as snow
The idiom "be as white as snow" means to be extremely pure, innocent, or free from guilt or wrongdoings. It refers to someone or something that embodies a high level of moral integrity or righteousness. The phrase often conveys the idea of pristine goodness or an absence of any blemishes or impurities.
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in black and white
The idiom "in black and white" means something that is presented or written down in a clear and easily understandable way, typically in written or printed form. It refers to information that is unambiguous, straightforward, and lacking any room for interpretation or confusion.
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black and white
The idiom "black and white" refers to a situation or depiction that is clear, straightforward, and easy to understand, with no ambiguity or shades of gray. It often implies a stark contrast between two opposing viewpoints, choices, or concepts.
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pretend/say that black is white
The idiom "pretend/say that black is white" means to deliberately misrepresent or distort reality, often by denying or contradicting well-known facts or evidence. It implies making a false or absurd statement to deceive others or to manipulate a situation for personal gain. It is used to highlight the act of intentionally spreading falsehoods or promoting an alternate reality.
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put sth down in black and white
The idiom "put something down in black and white" means to write or document something clearly and explicitly, typically in writing. It suggests forming a detailed and precise record that leaves no room for confusion or ambiguity.
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the men in white coats
The idiom "the men in white coats" refers to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists or psychologists, who are responsible for evaluating and treating individuals with severe mental illness. It is often used humorously or metaphorically to suggest that someone's behavior or beliefs are so strange or irrational that they might be considered mentally unstable or in need of professional intervention.
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white trash
The idiom "white trash" refers to a derogatory term used to describe lower-class or impoverished white people who are perceived as being of low social status, having poor education, behavioral issues, or engaging in socially unacceptable or immoral behavior. It is a derogatory and offensive term that perpetuates stereotypes and discrimination.
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a white lie
The idiom "a white lie" refers to a small or harmless lie told in order to avoid hurting someone's feelings or to avoid causing conflict or trouble. It is often regarded as an innocent deception or fib.
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a white elephant
The idiom "a white elephant" refers to an object or possession that is costly and burdensome to maintain or possess, often with little or no value or use. It is typically used to describe something that is impractical, inconvenient, or more trouble than it's worth.
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white elephant
The idiom "white elephant" refers to an object or possession that is considered to be burdensome or useless and often costly to maintain or dispose of. It could also represent something that lacks practical value or utility, despite its outward appearance or perceived worth.
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little white lie
A little white lie refers to a harmless or trivial lie that is told to avoid hurting someone's feelings or to avoid trouble, often with good intentions. It usually involves a small deception that is not meant to cause any harm or have serious consequences.
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bleed white
The idiom "bleed white" refers to a situation where someone or something is exploited or drained of all resources, usually for someone else's benefit, until there is nothing left. It suggests a relentless or excessive taking or demanding of resources, often resulting in severe depletion or exhaustion.
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white out
The idiom "white out" refers to the act of experiencing a temporary memory loss or a blanking of the mind, often due to stress, shock, or an overwhelming situation. It can also be used to describe situations where information is intentionally obscured, hidden, or eliminated, similar to the way white-out fluid is used to cover up mistakes on paper.
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as clear as black and white
The idiom "as clear as black and white" means something that is very easy to understand, with no room for confusion or doubt. It implies that there is a stark contrast between two opposing options or perspectives, making the situation or information extremely clear and unambiguous.
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blue and white
The idiom "blue and white" typically refers to something that is decorated or colored in shades of blue and white. It can also represent a particular style or design associated with these colors, especially in relation to ceramics, pottery, or traditional patterns.
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as the white on rice
The idiom "as the white on rice" is used to describe something or someone that is closely followed, observed, or monitored with great attention and intensity. It indicates a strong and constant presence, indicating that nothing can be hidden or separated from the thing or person being referred to. It is often used to emphasize how closely connected or attached someone or something is to another.
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big white chief
The idiom "big white chief" refers to a person who holds a position of great authority, power, or leadership. It is often used ironically or sarcastically to highlight someone's exaggerated sense of their own importance or authority. The term "big white chief" can also carry connotations of privilege, entitlement, or dominance.
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talk on the big white phone
The idiom "talk on the big white phone" refers to the act of vomiting or throwing up. It is often used as a euphemism to describe someone who is nauseous or experiencing the need to vomit.
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the white man's burden
"The white man's burden" is an idiom that refers to the supposed responsibility of white colonizers and imperial powers to govern, educate, or civilize non-white individuals or nations whom they see as less advanced or uncivilized. The phrase was popularized through a poem written by Rudyard Kipling in 1899, which expressed the perceived moral duty of the white race to bring progress and civilization to other parts of the world, particularly during the era of European colonialism. However, the phrase is now often used critically to highlight the patronizing and ethnocentric attitudes underlying colonialism and imperialism.
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say (that) black is white
The idiom "say (that) black is white" means to assert or claim something that is completely false or contrary to reality. It implies making an intentionally false statement or denying an obvious truth.
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swear black is white
The idiom "swear black is white" means to assert or insist strongly on something that is clearly false or contradictory to the truth. It implies stubbornly denying the obvious or attempting to convince others of a blatant lie.
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black hat (or white hat)
The idiom "black hat (or white hat)" refers to a distinction between someone who engages in malicious or unethical activities (black hat) and someone who follows ethical practices or engages in lawful activities (white hat). It originated from the Western movie tradition, where the villain typically wore a black hat, and the hero wore a white hat. The idiom is commonly used to describe individuals involved in hacking or online security, with black hat hackers being associated with illegal or unethical activities, while white hat hackers focus on identifying vulnerabilities to improve security systems legally and ethically.
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bleed (someone) white
The idiom "bleed (someone) white" refers to the act of extracting a large amount of money or resources from someone, gradually draining them of their wealth or assets. It typically implies exploitation or excessive financial burden imposed on an individual or an entity, often to the point of causing significant hardship or financial ruin.
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men in white coats
The idiom "men in white coats" refers to a group of professionals, typically doctors or psychiatrists, who are depicted wearing white lab coats. It is used metaphorically to describe the perception that someone may be mentally unstable or delusional, often implying that they may need to be taken away for psychiatric evaluation or treatment.
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white coat hypertension
The idiom "white coat hypertension" refers to a phenomenon where a person's blood pressure rises in a clinical or medical setting, such as when being measured by a doctor or nurse, but remains within normal range in other settings. It implies that the individual experiences temporary anxiety or stress due to the medical environment, which results in elevated blood pressure readings.
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white as a ghost
The idiom "white as a ghost" refers to someone or something that has a very pale or ashen complexion, resembling the color of a ghost. It is often used to describe extreme fear, shock, illness, or surprise.
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show the white feather
The idiom "show the white feather" refers to exhibiting cowardice or fear in the face of danger or a challenging situation. It suggests a lack of bravery or personal resolve. The meaning originates from the practice of waving a white feather as a symbol of surrender or admission of fear.
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raise the white flag
The idiom "raise the white flag" means to surrender or give up, especially in a conflict or disagreement. It originates from the practice of raising a white flag or white cloth as a sign of surrender or truce.
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show (a/the) white flag
The idiom "show (a/the) white flag" means to surrender or indicate a willingness to stop fighting or resisting. It originates from the practice of waving a white flag as a signal of surrender or truce during battle or conflict. The white flag symbolizes a request for peace and an end to hostilities. In a broader sense, the idiom can also refer to conceding defeat or giving up in a nonviolent situation.
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wave (a/the) white flag
The idiom "wave (a/the) white flag" means to surrender, give up, or concede defeat, often used in a metaphorical sense. It originates from the literal act of waving a white flag, which historically indicated a desire for truce or surrender during a conflict. By extension, in everyday language, waving the white flag symbolizes yielding or admitting defeat in a situation or argument.
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white flag
The idiom "white flag" refers to a symbol of surrender or the act of admitting defeat or giving up in a situation. It is commonly used to indicate the abandonment of a struggle or conflict. The term originates from the practice of waving a white flag to communicate surrender during times of war or confrontation.
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white flag, show the
The idiom "white flag, show the" means to surrender or admit defeat in a conflict or disagreement. It refers to the act of displaying a white flag as a symbolic gesture indicating a willingness to yield to the opposing party and acknowledge their victory.
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white as a sheet/ghost
The idiom "white as a sheet/ghost" is used to describe a person who appears extremely pale or drained of color due to fear, shock, illness, or any other intense emotion. It implies that the person's complexion resembles the white color of a bed sheet or the pallor of a ghost.
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great white hope
The idiom "great white hope" refers to a person or thing that is seen as a potential savior or solution to a particular problem or situation. It originated from boxing, specifically during a time when white boxers were seeking a contender who could defeat African American champion Jack Johnson, as a symbol of racial superiority. Over time, the idiom has evolved to encompass a broader meaning, often referring to any person or thing that is expected to bring about positive change or success.
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white hat
The idiom "white hat" refers to a person or professional who engages in ethical and lawful behavior, especially in the fields of computer hacking or cybersecurity. It is commonly associated with individuals who use their expertise to find vulnerabilities in systems and help organizations strengthen their security measures, with their actions often authorized and legal.
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white hope
The idiom "white hope" typically refers to a person or thing that is seen as a potential savior or source of optimism and hope, especially in a hopeless or difficult situation. This term is often used to describe a person or thing that is expected to bring about positive change or success.
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the White House
The idiom "the White House" typically refers to the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States. It is a symbol of the U.S. presidency and often used to refer to the executive branch or the government of the United States as a whole.
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tell a (little) white lie
The idiom "tell a (little) white lie" means to deliberately say something that is not true, typically for the purpose of avoiding hurting someone's feelings or to prevent trouble, but without causing significant harm or damage. It refers to a minor or harmless falsehood that is considered socially acceptable or morally permissible in certain situations.
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white lie
The definition of the idiom "white lie" is a harmless or unimportant lie, typically told to avoid hurting someone's feelings or to maintain social harmony.
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white knuckle something
The idiom "white knuckle something" is used to describe a situation or experience that is extremely intense, dangerous, or frightening. It refers to gripping or holding onto something so tightly that one's knuckles turn white due to nervousness, tension, or fear.
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hoist (a/the) white flag
The idiom "hoist (a/the) white flag" means to surrender or give up, typically in a conflict or struggle. It originates from the act of raising a white flag, which historically symbolized a desire for peaceful negotiation or truce. Therefore, using this idiom suggests that one is acknowledging defeat or conceding in a situation.
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white knuckle sth
The idiom "white knuckle something" typically refers to a situation or experience that is extremely intense, thrilling, or frightening, often causing one to grip or clutch something tightly, such as the steering wheel, causing their knuckles to turn white due to tension or fear. It conveys a sense of extreme anxiety, tension, or nervousness in a particular situation.
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white around the gills
The idiom "white around the gills" refers to someone who looks pale or sickly, often as a result of fear, anxiety, or illness. It is typically used to describe a person whose face has lost its normal color, resembling a paler shade around the cheeks and mouth, similar to the appearance of white skin around a fish's gills.
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a white knight
The idiom "a white knight" refers to a person who comes to the aid or defense of others, particularly in a chivalrous or heroic manner. It is often used to describe someone who intervenes or helps someone in a difficult or unfair situation, with the intention of fighting for what is right and just. The term "white knight" is also associated with someone who tries to rescue or protect someone from harm, often selflessly and with noble intentions.
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whiter than white
The idiom "whiter than white" refers to something or someone that is considered to be extremely pure, innocent, or morally upright. It is used to describe a person's character or behavior that is beyond reproach, with no hint of guilt, wrongdoing, or corruption.
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like the white on rice
The idiom "like the white on rice" is a colloquial expression that means being extremely close, inseparable, or completely attached to something or someone. It emphasizes a strong and constant presence or proximity.
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white knight
The idiom "white knight" refers to a person, especially a man, who intervenes or comes to the rescue of another person, usually in a noble or gallant manner. This term is often used to describe someone who attempts to solve a problem or protect someone from harm, often with good intentions, but sometimes with an underlying self-serving motive.
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hit the white
"Hit the white" is an idiom that means to be successful or achieve a goal. It is often used in sports or competitions to indicate when a player or team has accomplished what they set out to do.
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bleed someone dry (or white)
To extract all the money or resources someone has, leaving them with nothing.
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white hole
A white hole is a hypothetical region in space-time which is believed to be the opposite of a black hole, where matter and energy are ejected outwards instead of being pulled inwards. This phenomenon has not been observed in reality.
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*white as a sheet
If someone is described as "white as a sheet," it means they have a pale or sickly complexion, similar in color to a white sheet. This phrase is often used to describe someone who looks very frightened, shocked, or ill.
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free, white, and twenty-one
The idiom "free, white, and twenty-one" refers to a time in history when a person, typically a white person, reached the age of majority at twenty-one and was considered to be independent and able to live their life without the restrictions or limitations of childhood. It can also be used more broadly to refer to a state of complete freedom and independence.
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white man’s disease
"White man's disease" is a slang term commonly used to refer to diseases or conditions that primarily affect people of European descent or those who are more privileged in society. It can imply a perception that specific health issues are more prevalent among Caucasian individuals due to a combination of lifestyle, diet, and genetics.
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white-bread
The idiom "white-bread" refers to something or someone that is mainstream, conventional, or lacking in originality or uniqueness. It can also refer to something that is bland, unexciting, or uninteresting.
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get something down (in black and white)
To have something written or documented in a clear, official, and permanent form.
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white-collar
White-collar refers to work or workers in an office or other professional environment where the workers typically wear white-collar shirts. It is often used to describe jobs that are typically performed in an office setting and require professional knowledge or skills.
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white-knuckle
The idiom "white-knuckle" refers to a situation that is tense, nervewracking, or causing a great deal of anxiety or fear. It can also describe someone who is experiencing intense fear or anxiety.
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lily-white
The idiom "lily-white" is used to describe something or someone that is extremely pure, innocent, or immaculate. It connotes a sense of being completely untainted or morally upright.
Similar spelling words for WHITE
- Whitt,
- white-out,
- off-white,
- odd,
- pie-eyed,
- outdo,
- audio,
- one-eyed,
- auto,
- eighty,
- ada,
- deep-eyed,
- eat,
- dried-out,
- idea,
- oto,
- half-wit,
- eddy,
- hawk-eyed,
- wide-eyed,
- whitty,
- whet,
- alma-ata,
- ate,
- ade,
- ode,
- otoe,
- ottawa,
- drawn-out,
- eyed,
- iota,
- owed,
- lynx-eyed,
- itai-itai,
- dry-eyed,
- ADT-OTD,
- wheat,
- open-eyed,
- What,
- await,
- Wite-Out,
- eight,
- ido,
- far-out,
- aide,
- out-tray,
- IDE/ATA,
- burnt-out,
- deaf-aid,
- out-herod,
- whit,
- edd,
- what-what,
- edda,
- add,
- out,
- edo,
- outweigh,
- aid,
- out-wit,
- oat,
- edwy,
- odd-job,
- iud,
- dewy-eyed,
- ada-scid,
- whitey,
- awed,
- Weet-weet,
- all-out,
- ado,
- etui,
- eddo,
- ox-eyed,
- boss-eyed,
- whyte,
- ida,
- eta,
- adh,
- blue-eyed,
- adieu.
Conjugate verb White
CONDITIONAL
I
would white
you
would white
he/she/it
would white
we
would white
they
would white
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be whiting
you
would be whiting
he/she/it
would be whiting
we
would be whiting
they
would be whiting
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have white
you
would have white
he/she/it
would have white
we
would have white
they
would have white
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been whiting
you
would have been whiting
he/she/it
would have been whiting
we
would have been whiting
they
would have been whiting
FUTURE
I
will white
you
will white
he/she/it
will white
we
will white
they
will white
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be whiting
you
will be whiting
he/she/it
will be whiting
we
will be whiting
they
will be whiting
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have whited
you
will have whited
he/she/it
will have whited
we
will have whited
they
will have whited
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been whiting
you
will have been whiting
he/she/it
will have been whiting
we
will have been whiting
they
will have been whiting
IMPERATIVE
you
white
we
let´s white
to white
PAST
I
whited
you
whited
he/she/it
whited
we
whited
they
whited
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was whiting
you
were whiting
he/she/it
was whiting
we
were whiting
they
were whiting
PAST PARTICIPLE
whited
PAST PERFECT
I
had whited
you
had whited
he/she/it
had whited
we
had whited
they
had whited
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been whiting
you
had been whiting
he/she/it
had been whiting
we
had been whiting
they
had been whiting
PRESENT
I
white
you
white
he/she/it
whites
we
white
they
white
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am whiting
you
are whiting
he/she/it
is whiting
we
are whiting
they
are whiting
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
whiting
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have whited
you
have whited
he/she/it
has whited
we
have whited
they
have whited
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been whiting
you
have been whiting
he/she/it
has been whiting
we
have been whiting
they
have been whiting
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