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black and white
1black-and-white
2[blak-uhn-hwahyt, -wahyt]
adjective
displaying only black and white tones; without color, as a picture or chart.
a black-and-white photograph.
partly black and partly white; made up of separate areas or design elements of black and white.
black-and-white shoes.
of, relating to, or constituting a two-valued system, as of logic or morality; absolute.
To those who think in black-and-white terms, a person must be either entirely good or entirely bad.
black-and-white
noun
a photograph, picture, sketch, etc, in black, white, and shades of grey rather than in colour
( as modifier )
black-and-white film
the neutral tones of black, white, and intermediate shades of grey Compare colour
in print or writing
in extremes
he always saw things in black and white
51Թ History and Origins
Origin of black and white1
Idioms and Phrases
A monochromatic picture, drawing, television image, computer monitor, or film, as opposed to one using many colors, as in Photos in black and white fade less than those taken with color film . [Late 1800s]
Also, black or white . Involving a very clear distinction, without any gradations. For example, He tended to view everything as a black and white issue—it was either right or wrong—whereas his partner always found gray areas . This usage is based on the association of black with evil and white with virtue, which dates back at least 2,000 years. [Early 1800s] Also see gray area .
in black and white . Written down or in print, and therefore official. For example, The terms of our agreement were spelled out in black and white, so there should be no question about it . This term alludes to black ink or print on white paper. Shakespeare used it in Much Ado about Nothing (5:1). [Late 1500s]
Example Sentences
But it's become much more common in recent decades, in a last-ditch effort to save populations of black and white rhinos in South Africa and surrounding countries, where poaching threatens their survival.
Another major difference between seeing the live event and the film is that "Stories of Surrender" is shot in black and white.
They were known both for having a diverse music style and being a diverse band with black and white musicians.
The British Pregnancy Advisory Service, which provides abortions, added it was "harrowing" to see such guidance "in black and white".
The movies may define the struggle’s terms in black and white, but this show raised that motif to maturity.
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