hvite

Hvite is a Norwegian adjective meaning white, used to describe nouns. In contemporary Norwegian, hvite is the form that precedes plural nouns and is also used before definite plural nouns. For example, hvite biler means “white cars,” and de hvite husene means “the white houses.” The base form for singular indefinite use is hvit, with hvite serving as the plural-inflected form.

Etymology and cognates: Hvite derives from Old Norse hvitr, from Proto-Germanic *hwitaz. It is cognate with the English word white as well as other Germanic terms such as German weiß and Dutch wit, reflecting a common ancient root for the color white.

Usage notes: Adjectives in Norwegian typically precede the noun, and the form of hvite changes to agree with number and definiteness. Beyond simple color descriptions, hvite appears in a wide range of contexts, from everyday speech about objects and scenery to written language and branding. The word is used wherever the color white is described, and its form remains stable before plural nouns in standard Norwegian.

See also: White (color); Norwegian grammar; Color terminology.