black
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1 color (adj.) A1 Beginnerhaving the darkest color, like coal or the night sky.
absorbing all light and reflecting none; of the darkest possible hue.
ExampleShe wore a black dress to the formal dinner party.
ExampleThe artist used a deep black pigment to create a sense of infinite space in the background of the portrait.
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2 ethnicity (adj.) A2 Elementarybelonging to a group of people with dark skin, especially those with African roots.
relating to or denoting any of various ethnic groups having dark pigmentation of the skin, typically of African descent.
ExampleThe festival celebrated Black history and culture through music and art.
ExampleThe seminar focused on the contributions of Black scientists to the field of theoretical physics during the twentieth century.
UsageOften capitalized (Black) when referring to people or culture.
Teacher's tipCapitalization is increasingly standard in modern journalism and academic writing to show respect for the identity.
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3 coffee/tea (adj.) A2 Elementary Cookingserved without any milk or cream.
denoting coffee or tea served without the addition of milk, cream, or dairy substitutes.
ExampleI prefer my coffee black because I like the strong taste.
ExampleHe ordered a black coffee to stay alert during the long overnight flight to Tokyo.
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4 secret or illegal (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediate Politicssecret, hidden, or against the law.
relating to clandestine operations or illegitimate trade; often used in political or military contexts.
ExampleThe government was accused of running a black market for fuel.
ExampleThe agency's black operations remained classified for decades until a whistleblower leaked the documents to the press.
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5 unlucky or evil (adj.) B1 Intermediatevery sad, unlucky, or showing bad intentions.
characterized by tragedy, misfortune, or malicious intent; often used metaphorically.
ExampleIt was a black day for the company when the factory closed.
ExampleThe play is a black comedy that finds humor in very dark and painful situations.
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6 the color (n.) A1 Beginnerthe color of coal or the night sky.
the visual sensation or pigment that reflects no light.
ExampleThe cat disappeared into the black of the night.
ExampleThe designer chose to use black as the primary color for the luxury brand's logo to convey elegance.
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7 clothing (n.) B1 Intermediateclothes that are the color black, often worn for formal events or funerals.
black clothing, specifically when worn as a sign of mourning or for formal attire.
ExampleEveryone at the funeral was dressed in black.
ExampleShe arrived at the gala dressed entirely in black, standing out against the colorful decorations of the ballroom.
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8 to make dark (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto make something black or dark.
to make something black; to apply a black substance to a surface.
ExampleHe had to black his boots before the parade.
ExampleThe smoke from the fire began to black the ceiling of the old kitchen.