whiteness

/ˈwaɪtnəs/ (bre, ipa) · [wˈaɪtnəs] /ˈwaɪtnəs/ (ame, ipa) · [wˈaɪtnəs] /ˈ(h)wīt-nəs How to pronounce whiteness (audio)/ (ame, mw)

whiteness — noun

1. the quality or appearance of being white in colour, like snow, milk, or paper.

1.名詞A2
釋義

the quality or appearance of being white in colour, like snow, milk, or paper.

例句

The whiteness of the fresh snow made the whole garden look bright.

Quan noticed the whiteness of the hotel sheets had faded to a soft cream.

whiteness + of + noun phrase for source of colour

同義詞
  • brightness

    focuses on reflected light rather than colour itself

  • paleness

    usually implies a weak or faded shade rather than pure white

常見錯誤

❌I bought a whiteness yesterday.
✅I bought a white shirt yesterday.
💡whiteness is an uncountable quality, not a countable object.

2. the quality of having pale or light-coloured skin, either naturally or because o

2.名詞B2
釋義

the quality of having pale or light-coloured skin, either naturally or because of illness, fear, or shock.

例句

The doctor noticed the unusual whiteness of Asher's face and asked if he felt dizzy.

whiteness of + person's face/skin for pallor

In summer, the whiteness of Heloísa's arms stood out beside her friends' tanned skin.

同義詞
  • paleness

    more general; can describe skin, light, or colour

  • pallor

    formal, usually suggests unhealthy paleness from illness or fear

  • fairness

    positive or neutral term for naturally light skin

反義詞
  • tan

    the bronzed colour of skin after sun exposure

用法筆記

This sense can describe a natural fair complexion or a temporary pallor caused by illness, fear, or cold. Context usually makes the intended meaning clear.

常見錯誤

❌She has an attractive whiteness.' (vague)
✅She has a fair complexion.
💡whiteness for natural skin tone can sound clinical or negative; 'fair complexion' or 'pale skin' are more natural alternatives in most contexts.

3. the quality of being free from moral fault, corruption, or evil; spiritual innoc

3.名詞C1
釋義

the quality of being free from moral fault, corruption, or evil; spiritual innocence or purity.

例句

The poet celebrated the whiteness of the young woman's heart in her verses.

literary register: whiteness of + heart/soul

In the old tale, the knight's whiteness of spirit was tested by a demon's offer.

同義詞
  • purity

    modern and neutral; covers moral and physical cleanliness

  • innocence

    emphasises lack of experience with evil rather than active goodness

  • virtue

    focuses on positive moral character and doing good

反義詞

用法筆記

Almost exclusively used in literary, religious, or poetic contexts. In modern everyday conversation, 'purity' or 'innocence' is far more common.

常見錯誤

❌She is known for her whiteness.' (ambiguous)
✅She is known for her moral purity.
💡the moral sense of whiteness is archaic and poetic; using it in plain speech can sound odd or unclear.