Blackness

/ˈblæk.nəs/

nounBeginnerCommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The absence of light; the quality or state of being dark.

/ˈblæk.nəs/

nounneutralBeginner
General

The state or quality of being black.

The blackness of the cave was complete.

💡 Simply: Very dark.

More Examples

2

A deep blackness filled the room after the lights went out.

How It's Used

Physics

"The total blackness of space was awe-inspiring."

Literature

"The poem described the blackness of despair."

2

The state or quality of being evil or wicked.

/ˈblæk.nəs/

nounnegativeIntermediate
General

The quality of being morally bad or wicked.

The blackness of his soul shocked everyone.

💡 Simply: Great wickedness or evil.

More Examples

2

Rumors of his blackness spread throughout the town.

How It's Used

Figurative

"The blackness of his heart was evident in his actions."

Tip:Associate with 'black' as representing evil in many cultures.

From Old English *blacness, from blac (black) + -ness (suffix denoting state or condition).

The word 'blackness' has been used since Old English times to describe both literal darkness and, figuratively, moral evil.

Memory tip

Think of a 'black' night, lacking light.

Base: black
blacknesblackeness

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written