Q&A: Colors
Colors
Question
Is “not x” the opposite of “x”?
(“not good” is the opposite of “good”)
If so,
can we speak about opposites with colors?
For example, black—so is its opposite not-black, meaning any color whatsoever?
Is there any logical sense in saying that black and white are opposites?
Answer
You’re mixing up two kinds of opposites. There is a contrary opposite and a contradictory opposite. See column 376 and here: https://mikyab.net/%D7%9B%D7%AA%D7%91%D7%99%D7%9D/%D7%9E%D7%90%D7%9E%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%9D/%D7%9E%D7%94%D7%99-%D7%97%D7%9C%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%9C%D7%99%D7%9E%D7%95%D7%93-%D7%9C%D7%95%D7%92%D7%99%D7%A7%D7%94-%D7%95%D7%93%D7%91%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%AA
Discussion on Answer
I’m not sure you’d find it online. A contrary opposite, or contrariety, is an opposite like 1 versus -1. A contradictory opposite is like 1 versus 0.
Please, what is “contrary opposite” and “contradictory opposite” in English? I couldn’t find it online.