Off Black

Shades of black

Shades of black, or off-black colors, are colors that differ only slightly from pure black. These colors have a low lightness. From a photometric point of view, a color which differs slightly from black always has low relative luminance. Colors often considered "shades of black" include onyx, black olive, charcoal, and jet.

Black

Black is a color that results from the absence or complete absorption of visible light. It is an achromatic color, without chroma, like white and grey. It is often used symbolically or figuratively to represent darkness. Black and white have often been used to describe opposites such as good and evil, the Dark Ages versus the Age of Enlightenment, and night versus day. Since the Middle Ages, black has been the symbolic color of solemnity and authority, and for this reason it is still commonly worn by judges and magistrates.

off

Adverb

1. In a direction away from the speaker or other reference point.
2. Into a state of non-operation or non-existence.

Adjective

1. Inoperative, disabled.
2. Cancelled; not happening.

black

Adjective

1. Absorbing all light and reflecting none; dark and hueless.
2. Without light.

Noun

1. The colour/color perceived in the absence of light, but also when no light is reflected, but rather absorbed.
2. A black dye or pigment.