whitish
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whitish
Describes a color that is not pure white, but has a slight tendency toward white or appears cloudy and pale white.
Die Flüssigkeit im Reagenzglas hatte eine weißliche, undurchsichtige Färbung.
The liquid in the test tube had a whitish, opaque coloration.
The word consists of the adjective 'weiß' (white) and the suffix '-lich' (-ish). This ending weakens the quality and means something like '-like' or '-similar'. 'Weißlich' (whitish) therefore describes something that is not pure white, but only white-like.
Nach dem Mischen wurde die klare Flüssigkeit langsam weißlich.
After mixing, the clear liquid slowly became whitish.
'Weißlich' (whitish) is often used to describe the color of liquids, substances, or cloudy light. Typical combinations are 'eine weißliche Flüssigkeit' (a whitish liquid), 'ein weißlicher Schleier' (a whitish veil/haze), or 'weißlicher Rauch' (whitish smoke).
Aus dem Schornstein stieg ein weißlicher Rauch auf.
Whitish smoke rose from the chimney.
This adjective is used to describe an unclear or impure white color. It often implies a certain cloudiness or that another color is showing through slightly.
Die alte Fotografie hatte einen weißlichen Stich bekommen.
The old photograph had taken on a whitish tint.
white
'weiß' and 'weißlich' both describe colors with a lot of white. 'weiß' means a clear, pure white color. 'weißlich', on the other hand, means: It is not really white, but only looks somewhat white or has a whitish tint. Learners may confuse the words because both can look similar. If something really has the color of snow or milk, you say 'weiß'. If the color is cloudy, mixed, or only slightly white, 'weißlich' fits better.
Auf dem Glas ist ein weißlicher Belag, den man abwaschen muss.
There is a whitish coating on the glass that needs to be washed off.
Sie schreibt die Notizen auf ein weißes Blatt.
She writes the notes on a white sheet of paper.