Ivory vs. White: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Ivory is a creamy, off-white color, resembling the material from elephant tusks, while White is a pure, bright color without any hues.
Key Differences
Ivory is a subtle, creamy hue often compared to the color of elephant tusks, evoking a sense of warmth and softness. In contrast, White is a stark, bright color representing purity and cleanliness, often associated with a clinical or crisp aesthetic.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
In design and fashion, Ivory is preferred for its gentle warmth, making it ideal for creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. White, on the other hand, is chosen for its ability to reflect light and create a sense of space and minimalism.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
When it comes to symbolism, Ivory often connotes luxury and status, derived from its association with the precious material. White symbolizes simplicity and peace, often used in contexts that require a sense of clarity and purity.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
In cultural contexts, Ivory can sometimes carry negative connotations due to its association with illegal ivory trade. White, however, is seen in various cultures as a color of mourning or celebration, depending on the context.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Ivory, being closer to natural tones, is considered more forgiving and versatile in interior design compared to White, which can sometimes be too stark or overwhelming in large amounts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Fashion Preference
Soft, warm tones for elegance
Sharp, clean lines for modernity
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Cultural Context
Sometimes negative (ivory trade)
Varies (mourning or celebration)
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Ivory and White Definitions
Ivory
A color resembling ivory in hue, a warm off-white.
She chose an ivory dress for her wedding to complement the vintage theme.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
White
The color of pure snow or milk, the opposite of black.
The room was painted white to create a sense of spaciousness.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Ivory
A hard, creamy-white substance composing the main part of the tusks of an elephant.
The antique piano had keys made of genuine ivory.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
White
The achromatic color of maximum lightness; the color of objects that reflect nearly all light of all visible wavelengths; the complement or antagonist of black, the other extreme of the neutral gray series. Although typically a response to maximum stimulation of the retina, the perception of white appears always to depend on contrast.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Ivory
A hard, smooth, yellowish-white substance composed primarily of dentin that forms the tusks of the elephant.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Ivory
A similar substance forming the tusks or teeth of certain other mammals, such as the walrus.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Whites White pants or a white outfit of a special nature
Tennis whites.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Any of various butterflies of the subfamily Pierinae, characteristically having chiefly white wings often with black markings.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Also White A member of a racial group having light-colored skin, especially when of European origin and in some classifications also when of Middle Eastern or North African origin.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Ivory
(uncountable) The hard white form of dentin which forms the tusks of elephants, walruses and other animals.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Often whites Products of a white color, such as flour, salt, and sugar.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
White A member of a conservative or counterrevolutionary faction, especially one opposing the Bolsheviks in the Russian civil war.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Ivory
The hard, white, opaque, fine-grained substance constituting the tusks of the elephant. It is a variety of dentine, characterized by the minuteness and close arrangement of the tubes, as also by their double flexure. It is used in manufacturing articles of ornament or utility.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Light or whitish in color or having light or whitish parts. Used with animal and plant names.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Also White Of or belonging to a racial group of people having light-colored skin, especially when of European origin, and in some classifications also when of Middle Eastern or North African origin
Voting patterns within the white population.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Ivory
A hard smooth ivory colored dentine that makes up most of the tusks of elephants and walruses
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Ivory
Items made from or resembling ivory.
The museum showcased an exquisite collection of ivory carvings.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Ivory
(Metaphorically) Something precious and rare.
Her grandmother's ivory necklace was her most cherished possession.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Ivory
Relating to the ivory trade.
There are strict regulations against ivory trading to protect elephants.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
White
White Of or relating to a conservative or counterrevolutionary faction, especially one opposing the Bolsheviks in the Russian civil war.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
(Printing) To cover or make illegible with white coloring. Often used with out.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Bright and colourless; reflecting equal quantities of all frequencies of visible light.
Write in black ink on white paper.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
(sometimes capitalized) Of or relating to Caucasians, people of European descent with light-coloured skin.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Designated for use by Caucasians.
White drinking fountain
White hospital
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
The standard denomination of the playing pieces of a board game deemed to belong to the white set, no matter what the actual colour.
The white pieces in this set are in fact made of light green glass.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Pertaining to an ecclesiastical order whose adherents dress in white habits; Cistercian.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
(archaic) Characterized by freedom from that which disturbs, and the like; fortunate; happy; favourable.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
(politics) Pertaining to constitutional or anti-revolutionary political parties or movements.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
(typography) Said of a symbol or character outline, not solid, not filled with color. Compare said of a character or symbol filled with color.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Characterised by the presence of snow.
A white Christmas
A white Easter
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
The color/colour of snow or milk; the colour of light containing equal amounts of all visible wavelengths.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
(archery) The central part of the butt, which was formerly painted white; the centre of a mark at which a missile is shot.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
The enclosed part of a letter of the alphabet, especially when handwritten.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
A feather, from the wing of the cock ostrich, that is of the palest possible shade.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Reflecting to the eye all the rays of the spectrum combined; not tinted with any of the proper colors or their mixtures; having the color of pure snow; snowy; - the opposite of black or dark; as, white paper; a white skin.
White as the whitest lily on a stream.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Destitute of color, as in the cheeks, or of the tinge of blood color; pale; pallid; as, white with fear.
Or whispering with white lips, "The foe!They come! they come!"
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Having the color of purity; free from spot or blemish, or from guilt or pollution; innocent; pure.
White as thy fame, and as thy honor clear.
No whiter page than Addison's remains.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Gray, as from age; having silvery hair; hoary.
Your high engendered battles 'gainst a headSo old and white as this.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Characterized by freedom from that which disturbs, and the like; fortunate; happy; favorable.
On the whole, however, the dominie reckoned this as one of the white days of his life.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Regarded with especial favor; favorite; darling.
Come forth, my white spouse.
I am his white boy, and will not be gullet.
Driving their cattle continually with them, and feeding only upon their milk and white meats.
A pistol charged with white powder.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Something having the color of snow; something white, or nearly so; as, the white of the eye.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Specifically, the central part of the butt in archery, which was formerly painted white; the center of a mark at which a missile is shot.
'T was I won the wager, though you hit the white.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
A person with a white skin; a member of the white, or Caucasian, races of men.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Any one of numerous species of butterflies belonging to Pieris, and allied genera in which the color is usually white. See Cabbage butterfly, under Cabbage.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
To make white; to whiten; to whitewash; to bleach.
Whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of . . . uncleanness.
So as no fuller on earth can white them.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
The quality or state of the achromatic color of greatest lightness (bearing the least resemblance to black)
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
United States educator who in 1865 (with Ezra Cornell) founded Cornell University and served as its first president (1832-1918)
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
A tributary of the Mississippi River that flows southeastward through northern Arkansas and southern Missouri
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Being of the achromatic color of maximum lightness; having little or no hue owing to reflection of almost all incident light;
As white as fresh snow
A bride's white dress
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Of or belonging to a racial group having light skin coloration;
Voting patterns within the white population
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Free from moral blemish or impurity; unsullied;
In shining white armor
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Marked by the presence of snow;
A white Christmas
The white hills of a northern winter
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Restricted to whites only;
Under segregation there were even white restrooms and white drinking fountains
A lily-white movement which would expel Negroes from the organization
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Benevolent; without malicious intent;
White magic
A white lie
That's white of you
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Of a surface; not written or printed on;
Blank pages
Fill in the blank spaces
A clean page
Wide white margins
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Ash-colored or anemic looking from illness or emotion;
A face turned ashen
The invalid's blanched cheeks
Tried to speak with bloodless lips
A face livid with shock
Lips...livid with the hue of death
Lips white with terror
A face white with rage
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Of summer nights in northern latitudes where the sun barely sets;
White nights
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
White
Something that is of the color white.
She wore a beautiful white dress to the gala.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
White
Characterized by the absence of color.
The artist used a white canvas as the foundation for his colorful painting.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
White
(Metaphorically) Representing purity or innocence.
The white dove is often seen as a symbol of peace.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
White
Relating to a group or race characterized by light skin.
The census data included information on the white population of the region.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is white often used in modern design?
Yes, white is popular in modern and minimalistic design schemes.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
What is the primary difference between ivory and white?
Ivory is a creamy off-white color, while white is a pure, bright color.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Does the color ivory have negative connotations?
In some contexts, due to its association with the ivory trade, it can.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Is white a neutral color?
Yes, white is considered a neutral color in design and fashion.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Can ivory be considered a shade of white?
Yes, ivory is often seen as a warmer, softer shade of white.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Is ivory a good choice for a wedding dress?
Yes, many choose ivory for its warm and elegant hue.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Can ivory add warmth to a room's design?
Yes, its creamy hue can create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Is white easy to maintain in clothing and interiors?
It can be challenging as it shows dirt and stains more easily.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Are there ethical concerns associated with ivory?
Yes, due to the illegal ivory trade and its impact on elephant populations.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Can ivory and white be used interchangeably in fashion?
While similar, they create different aesthetic effects and are not always interchangeable.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Does white symbolize purity in all cultures?
In many cultures, yes, but it can also symbolize mourning in some.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Is white a common color in nature?
Yes, it's found in things like snow, milk, and certain flowers.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Do ivory and white reflect light similarly?
White reflects more light, making spaces appear larger and brighter.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Is white a popular choice for formal occasions?
Yes, especially in Western cultures for events like weddings.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Is white considered a cold color in design?
It can be, especially if used in large amounts without warm accents.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Do ivory and white have the same brightness?
No, white is brighter and more reflective than ivory.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Can both ivory and white be used in all design styles?
They are versatile but may suit different styles better; ivory for traditional and white for modern.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Does ivory work well with other colors?
Yes, it pairs well with many colors, especially earth tones.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Is white a timeless color in fashion?
Yes, it is considered a classic and versatile color in fashion.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Can ivory be synthetic?
Yes, there are synthetic materials made to resemble ivory.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
