Etymology tree
Proto-Indo-European *lewk-der.
Proto-Indo-European *lewk-to-s
Proto-Germanic *leuhtaz
Proto-West Germanic *leuht
Old English lēoht
Middle English light
English light
From Middle English light, liht, leoht, from Old English lēoht, from Proto-West Germanic *leuht, from Proto-Germanic *leuhtą, from Proto-Indo-European *lewktom, from the root *lewk- (“to shine”).
Cognates
* Scots licht (“light”)
* Saterland Frisian Ljoacht, Lucht (“light”)
* West Frisian ljocht (“light”)
* Dutch licht (“light”)
* German Licht (“light”)
* German Low German Licht (“light”)
* Limburgish Leech, Leet, Léït (“light”)
* Luxembourgish Liicht (“light”)
* Vilamovian łicht (“light”)
* Yiddish ליכט (likht, “light”)
* Danish and Norwegian Bokmål lys (“light”)
* Elfdalian liuos (“light”)
* Faroese and Icelandic ljós (“light”)
* Norwegian Nynorsk ljos, ljus, lys (“light”)
* Swedish ljus (“light”)
* Latin lūx (“light”)
* Russian луч (luč, “beam of light”)
* Armenian լույս (luys, “light”)
* Ancient Greek λευκός (leukós, “white”)
* Persian رُخش (roxš).
Meanings
(uncountable) Electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range visible to the human eye (about 400–750 nanometers): visible light.
When the studio light is on, I am recording my evening show. 2016, VOA Learning English (public domain)
As you can see, this spacious dining-room gets a lot of light in the mornings.
[Rural solar plant] schemes are of little help to industry or other heavy users of electricity. Nor is solar power yet as cheap as the grid. For all that, the rapid arrival of electric light to Indian villages is long overdue. When the national grid suffers its next huge outage, as it did in July 2012 when hundreds of millions were left in the dark, look for specks of light in the villages. 2013 July 20, “Out of the gloom”, in The Economist, volume 408, number 8845:
Then came a maid with hand-bag and shawls, and after her a tall young lady. She stood for a moment holding her skirt above the grimy steps,[…], and the light of the reflector fell full upon her. 1897 December (indicated as 1898), Winston Churchill, chapter V, in The Celebrity: An Episode, New York, N.Y.: The Macmillan Company; London: Macmillan & Co., Ltd., →OCLC:
Here the stripped panelling was warmly gold and the pictures, mostly of the English school, were mellow and gentle in the afternoon light. 1963, Margery Allingham, chapter 3, in The China Governess: A Mystery, London: Chatto & Windus, →OCLC:
(broadly, countable, uncountable) Electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range visible to the human eye or in nearby ranges (infrared or ultraviolet radiation).
black light
(broadly, countable, uncommon, uncountable) Electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength.
It’s everywhere. At this moment, as you sit quietly reading this book, you are awash in it. At work, it’s emanating from your electronic devices; step outside for lunch, and the sun bathes you in it. You may receive an extra dose of it when you visit your doctor, pass through security at the airport, or drive through city streets, but minuscule amounts of it are with you always. You cannot see, hear, smell, or feel it, but there is never a single second when it is not flying through your body. Too much of it will kill you, but without it you wouldn’t live a year. “Invisible light” seems like a contradiction. Like Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence,” it’s an oxymoron. We think of light, by definition, as something seen, something that enables our seeing, illuminating the darkness. Unlike dogs, who sniff in order to “get” what an object is, we depend on vision above all our other senses. We rely on light to tell us about our surroundings. But just as there are frequencies of sound audible to other animals that we cannot hear, there is a whole world of light outside our range of vision, a world that is humming with activity. Though we rarely think about this invisible world, our way of life depends on it. It’s because of invisible light that you can do things such as send a text message, use GPS to find your way to a friend’s house, listen to the radio, or microwave a frozen pizza. Invisible light shows us things we would never otherwise see, including our own skeletons and brains and the history of our universe. I was reminded of just how much we rely on invisible light, and how mysterious it remains to us, during a visit from my sister and her family. It was a lazy summer afternoon, and we were sprawled across a few couches sharing a bowl of popcorn. My niece, her shoulders crimson after a day outdoors, was chatting on her cell phone, holding up a promising finger to her mother, who was scolding her for not using sunscreen. My brother-in-law, meanwhile, was asking my opinion on an article he’d read proposing that Wi-Fi be banned in schools because of its dangers. We were all depending on invisible light (for the microwave popcorn, the cell-phone service) while being concerned that it might harm us (sunburn, mysterious Wi-Fi health threats) and confused about what to do to protect ourselves. We need it, and it surrounds us, yet we remain uneasy about living with invisible light, partly because we fear what is unknown. After all, most of us don’t know much about “all the light we cannot see.” This book aims to change that. My hope is to expose the hidden side of the spectrum, to make the invisible (at least temporarily) visible and vivid to you. 2017, Bob Berman, Zapped: From Infrared to X-rays, the Curious History of Invisible Light, Little, Brown and Company, →ISBN, pages 8-9:
(countable) A source of illumination.
Put that light out!
He was thinking; but the glory of the song, the swell from the great organ, the clustered lights, […], the height and vastness of this noble fane, its antiquity and its strength—all these things seemed to have their part as causes of the thrilling emotion that accompanied his thoughts. 1918, W[illiam] B[abington] Maxwell, chapter V, in The Mirror and the Lamp, Indianapolis, Ind.: The Bobbs-Merrill Company, →OCLC:
And the light ſhineth in darkneſſe, and the darkneſſe compꝛehended it not. 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, John 1:5:
(countable, uncountable) A source of illumination. ▸ A lightbulb or similar light-emitting device, regardless of whether it is lit.
The ceiling lights were off, but I knew the narrow light spilling from the lamp on my bureau would be enough for her to see the pale red marks on my chest, which had been fading for so long they had gone back to being shiny again. 2016 August 7, Jameson Rich, “The Shirt Stays On”, in The New York Times, New York, N.Y.: The New York Times Company, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 25 Nov 2022:
We turned off all the lights and went to sleep.
(countable, uncountable) A source of illumination. ▸ A traffic light, or (by extension) an intersection controlled by traffic lights.
To get to our house, turn right at the third light.
(countable, figuratively, uncountable) Spiritual or mental illumination; enlightenment, useful information.
Can you throw any light on this problem?
He shall never know / That I had any light of this from thee. c. 1590–1591 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Two Gentlemen of Verona”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act III, scene i]:
A sudden light broke upon him and he repeated the first line with expression. 1927, Ernest Bramah [pseudonym; Ernest Brammah Smith], Max Carrados Mysteries:
Greatly interested in these differences—some of them so great that they led me to seek exchanges of light with Englishmen—I looked for some work that would describe and account for them with a show of completeness, and perhaps depict the process of their origin. [1921 [1919], H. L. Mencken, The American Language, 2nd edition, New York: Alfred A. Knopf, →ISBN, →OCLC:
(archaic, countable, in-plural, uncountable) Facts; pieces of information; ideas, concepts.
"Well, there's her statement of her case, and according to her lights, it's a just one. She's got a slum-bred mind." 1950, Norman Lindsay, Dust or Polish?, Sydney: Angus and Robertson, page 164:
Now these notions are twofold, actions or habits[…], which are durable lights and notions, which we may use when we will. 1624, Democritus Junior [pseudonym; Robert Burton], The Anatomy of Melancholy: […], 2nd edition, Oxford, Oxfordshire: […] John Lichfield and James Short, for Henry Cripps, →OCLC:
(countable, uncountable) A notable person within a specific field or discipline.
Joan of Arc, a light of ancient France 1842, Alfred Tennyson, “A Dream of Fair Women”, in Poems. […], volume (please specify |volume=I or II), London: Edward Moxon, […], →OCLC:
Picasso was one of the leading lights of the cubist movement.
(countable, qualifier:painting, uncountable) The manner in which the light strikes a picture; that part of a picture which represents those objects upon which the light is supposed to fall; the more illuminated part of a landscape or other scene; opposed to shade.
(countable, uncountable) A point of view, or aspect from which a concept, person or thing is regarded.
Now if there was one thing that the animals were completely certain of, it was that they did not want Jones back. When it was put to them in this light, they had no more to say. 1943 November – 1944 February (date written; published 1945 August 17), George Orwell [pseudonym; Eric Arthur Blair], Animal Farm […], London: Secker & Warburg, published May 1962, →OCLC:
Thy ſteddy Temper, Portius,
Can look on Guilt, Rebellion, Fraud, and Cæſar,
In the calm Lights of mild Philoſophy; […] 1712 (date written), [Joseph] Addison, Cato, a Tragedy. […], London: […] J[acob] Tonson, […], published 1713, →OCLC, Act I, scene i, page 1:
Magoon's governorship in Cuba was viewed in a negative light by many Cuban historians for years thereafter.
Frequent consideration of a thing […] shows it in its several lights and various ways of appearance. 1692–1717, Robert South, “Why Christ’s Doctrine was Rejected by the Jews”, in Twelve Sermons Preached upon Several Occasions, volume (please specify |volume=I to VI), London:
I'm really seeing you in a different light today.
(countable, uncountable) A flame or something used to create fire.
"There will, I expect, be many such - possibly whole cities in flames - when we consider how many folk may have dropped with lights in their hands." 1913, Arthur Conan Doyle, “(please specify the page)”, in The Poison Belt […], London; New York, N.Y.: Hodder and Stoughton, →OCLC:
(countable, slang, uncountable) A flame or something used to create fire. ▸ A cigarette lighter.
Hey, buddy, you got a light?
(countable, uncountable) A firework made by filling a case with a substance which burns brilliantly with a white or coloured flame.
a Bengal light
(countable, uncountable) A window in architecture, carriage design, or motor car design: either the opening itself or the window pane of glass that fills it, if any.
This facade has eight south-facing lights.
(countable, qualifier:crosswording, uncountable) The series of squares reserved for the answer to a crossword clue.
The average length of a light on a 15×15 grid is 7 or 8.
(countable, informal, uncountable) A cross-light in a double acrostic or triple acrostic.
(countable, uncountable) Open view; a visible state or condition; public observation; publicity.
The duke yet would have dark deeds darkly answered; he would never bring them to light. c. 1603–1604 (date written), William Shakespeare, “Measure for Measure”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act III, scene ii]:
(countable, uncountable) The power of perception by vision: eyesight (sightedness; vision).
My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eies, it also is gone from me. 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Psalms 38:10:
(countable, uncountable) The brightness of the eye or eyes.
He seemed to find his way without his eyes; / For out o'door he went without their helps, / And, to the last, bended their light on me. c. 1599–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene i]:
cic shoppala' (electromagnetic waves) · la lux (spiritual illumination) · pib katalu (electromagnetic waves) · yo ìmọ́lẹ̀ (electromagnetic waves) · sh svȅtlo (electromagnetic waves) · bg запа́лка (flame or something used to create fire) · te జ్ఞానజ్యోతి (spiritual illumination) · ltg gaisma (electromagnetic waves) · om ifaa (electromagnetic waves) · evn ңэри (electromagnetic waves) · fr lumière (spiritual illumination) · ru свет (point of view) · ja 光源 (source of illumination) · hi ज्योति (source of illumination) · ko 불 (source of illumination) · sat ᱢᱟᱨᱥᱟᱞ (electromagnetic waves) · ota نور (electromagnetic waves) · jv sunar (source of illumination) · chk saram (electromagnetic waves) · bm yeelen (electromagnetic waves) · pt luz (spiritual illumination) · fi johtohahmo (notable person) · bo འོད (electromagnetic waves) · hu fény (type of firework) · la lumen (flame or something used to create fire) · es luz (source of illumination) · mfe lalimier (electromagnetic waves) · akk 𒂟 (electromagnetic waves) · ary ضو (source of illumination) · ko 빛 (electromagnetic waves) · ce серло (electromagnetic waves) · pdc Licht (electromagnetic waves) · tab нур (electromagnetic waves) · ru свет (spiritual illumination) · cjs чарық (electromagnetic waves) · hi उज्ज्वल (electromagnetic waves) · ps روڼايي (electromagnetic waves) · mrw siga (electromagnetic waves) · ast lluz (source of illumination) · hy լույս (electromagnetic waves) · eu argi (electromagnetic waves) · nmn ǁga̰e (electromagnetic waves) · pl światło (spiritual illumination) · nb lys (source of illumination) · mi rama (electromagnetic waves) · ady нэфнэ (electromagnetic waves) · ru свет (source of illumination) · hu ablak (window, or space for one) · sh све̏тло (electromagnetic waves) · ce дуьне (electromagnetic waves) · tpi lait (electromagnetic waves) · su ᮎᮠᮚ (electromagnetic waves) · pl ogień (flame or something used to create fire) · ur بَتّی (source of illumination) · hu megvilágítás (spiritual illumination) · ltg gaišums (electromagnetic waves) · nys ben (electromagnetic waves) · ko 광 (electromagnetic waves) · rup fexi (electromagnetic waves) · vi đèn (source of illumination) · nan-hbl 光源 (source of illumination) · ain ヌペㇰ (electromagnetic waves) · sw mwanga (point of view) · ro lumină (point of view) · hu villany (source of illumination) · zu ukukhanya (electromagnetic waves) · fi valo (painting: manner in which the light strikes a picture) · oc lum (electromagnetic waves) · scn luci (electromagnetic waves) · el φως (source of illumination) · eu argi (spiritual illumination) · uk світло́ (electromagnetic waves) · vi ánh sáng (electromagnetic waves) · fi tuli (flame or something used to create fire) · xpr rwšn (electromagnetic waves) · pl okno (window, or space for one) · gsw Liecht (electromagnetic waves) · ja 明かり取り (window, or space for one) · nv adinídíín (electromagnetic waves) · sq dritë (electromagnetic waves) · tt яктылык (electromagnetic waves) · got 𐌻𐌹𐌿𐌷𐌰𐌸 (electromagnetic waves) · akk nūrum (source of illumination) · cy goleuni (source of illumination) · bg светофа́р (traffic light, or an intersection controlled by one) · yue 燈 /灯 (source of illumination) · hi उज्ज्वल (source of illumination) · lb Liicht (electromagnetic waves) · es mechero (flame or something used to create fire) · kk жарық (electromagnetic waves) · fi valot (traffic light, or an intersection controlled by one) · fi valo (power of perception by vision) · hu megvilágítás (point of view) · ig ihe (electromagnetic waves) · it luce (source of illumination) · pa ਲੋ (electromagnetic waves) · sh svjȅtlo (electromagnetic waves) · pa لو (electromagnetic waves) · rm gleisch (electromagnetic waves) · tab акв (electromagnetic waves) · ru светофо́р (traffic light, or an intersection controlled by one) · br sklêrijenn (electromagnetic waves) · fo ljós (source of illumination) · ja 明かり (flame or something used to create fire) · km ពន្លឺ (electromagnetic waves) · hu szín (point of view) · lld lum (electromagnetic waves) · vi lửa (flame or something used to create fire) · sk osvetlenie (source of illumination) · te కిటికి (window, or space for one) · br luc'h (electromagnetic waves) · gu પ્રકાશ (electromagnetic waves) · fa-ira چِراغ (source of illumination) · ca llum (spiritual illumination) · txb lalaukar (electromagnetic waves) · cop ⲟⲩⲱⲓⲛⲓ (electromagnetic waves) · lbe ишигь (electromagnetic waves) · ee kekeli (electromagnetic waves) · ml പ്രകാശം (electromagnetic waves) · de Licht (spiritual illumination) · ky жарык (electromagnetic waves) · ia foco (flame or something used to create fire) · hi उजाला (source of illumination) · hi ज्योति (electromagnetic waves) · sw mwanga (electromagnetic waves) · my အလင်း (electromagnetic waves) · ur پْرَکَاش (source of illumination) · da flamme (flame or something used to create fire) · und পসৰ (electromagnetic waves) · tl ilaw (electromagnetic waves) · vi cách (point of view) · mnc ᡝᠯᡩᡝᠨ (electromagnetic waves) · oma ugóⁿba (electromagnetic waves) · kaa jarıq (electromagnetic waves) · cv ҫутӑ (electromagnetic waves) · fo ljós (electromagnetic waves) · zza berq (source of illumination) · bn আলো (electromagnetic waves) · nn ljos (source of illumination) · pl świetlik (window, or space for one) · pl światło (electromagnetic waves) · cy golau (electromagnetic waves) · sh свје̏тло̄ст (electromagnetic waves) · tpi lait (source of illumination) · he אוֹר (spiritual illumination) · tr ışık (source of illumination) · agj ብርሃን (electromagnetic waves) · is ljós (source of illumination) · ota چراغ (source of illumination) · nb lys (spiritual illumination) · aa ifu (electromagnetic waves) · ru свет (electromagnetic waves) · vo lit (electromagnetic waves) · ryu ふぃかり (electromagnetic waves) · az işıq (source of illumination) · hu világ (power of perception by vision) · sgs švėisa (electromagnetic waves) · sux nuru (electromagnetic waves) · fi valo (source of illumination) · gd soillse (spiritual illumination) · lt šviesa (electromagnetic waves) · da lys (spiritual illumination) · uz yorugʻlik (electromagnetic waves) · lo ແສງ (electromagnetic waves) · pam sulu (electromagnetic waves) · wni matra class 6 (source of illumination) · lez экв (electromagnetic waves) · tue bóere (electromagnetic waves) · ro lumină (source of illumination) · sw mwanga (source of illumination) · fi valo (spiritual illumination) · wym łicht (electromagnetic waves) · rgn luș (electromagnetic waves) · kxd cahaya (electromagnetic waves) · es fuego (flame or something used to create fire) · nb lys (electromagnetic waves) · ka ნათება (electromagnetic waves) · fi tuli (type of firework) · kmr ronî (source of illumination) · ur پَرْکَاش (electromagnetic waves) · fi ikkuna-aukko (window, or space for one) · ja 妙案 (spiritual illumination) · rom dud (electromagnetic waves) · tr ışık (electromagnetic waves) · eu argi (source of illumination) · rsk шветлосц (electromagnetic waves) · gu અજવાળું (electromagnetic waves) · mi mārama (electromagnetic waves) · rm glüm (electromagnetic waves) · fr lumière (source of illumination) · af lig (spiritual illumination) · pt luz (source of illumination) · sh све̏тло̄ст (electromagnetic waves) · fr lumière (electromagnetic waves) · cu ⱄⰲⱑⱅⱏ (electromagnetic waves) · oc lutz (electromagnetic waves) · new जः (electromagnetic waves) · zro kátika (electromagnetic waves) · my မီး (flame or something used to create fire) · yue 光 (electromagnetic waves) · ro corp de iluminat (source of illumination) · wa lampe (source of illumination) · ilo silaw (electromagnetic waves) · cmn 光源 (source of illumination) · kbd нэху (electromagnetic waves) · hu látásmód (point of view) · da lyskilde (source of illumination) · el φως (spiritual illumination) · ln mwese (electromagnetic waves) · hu világítás (source of illumination) · sk svetlo (electromagnetic waves) · ab алашара (electromagnetic waves) · zdj mwendje (electromagnetic waves) · sh luča (source of illumination) · qu k'anchay (electromagnetic waves) · xpm hixem (electromagnetic waves) · yi אור (electromagnetic waves) · tk yşyk (electromagnetic waves) · sh svetlina (source of illumination) · uk осві́тлення (source of illumination) · ko 빛 (spiritual illumination) · fi valo (brightness of the eye or eyes) · mk светлина (electromagnetic waves) · qu acki (source of illumination) · af lig (source of illumination) · la lūx (electromagnetic waves) · hu fény (brightness of the eye or eyes) · zdj nuru (electromagnetic waves) · ba ут (source of illumination) · hu szemszög (point of view) · hu szemlélet (point of view) · tg фуруғ (electromagnetic waves) · ady нэфы (electromagnetic waves) · bn রৌশনী (electromagnetic waves) · ro lumină (electromagnetic waves) · gd solas (electromagnetic waves) · ne प्रकाश (electromagnetic waves) · hi उजाला (electromagnetic waves) · rgn luš (electromagnetic waves) · kmr ronahî (source of illumination) · sv ljus (electromagnetic waves) · ps روښنايي (electromagnetic waves) · he הֶאָרָה (spiritual illumination) · it luce (spiritual illumination) · alt јарык (electromagnetic waves) · ba яҡты (source of illumination) · la lux (point of view) · ca llum (electromagnetic waves) · syl ꠙꠅꠞ (electromagnetic waves) · ug نۇر (electromagnetic waves) · sw mwanga (window, or space for one) · sv ljus (point of view) · chr ᎠᏨᏍᏙᏗ (electromagnetic waves) · sv ljus (spiritual illumination) · ka სინათლე (electromagnetic waves) · te వెలుతురు (electromagnetic waves) · war suna (source of illumination) · rm glisch (electromagnetic waves) · sl luč (source of illumination) · hu fény (electromagnetic waves) · nrf leunmiéthe (electromagnetic waves) · hy լույս (source of illumination) · pt semáforo (traffic light, or an intersection controlled by one) · sh svetlo (source of illumination) · ba яҡты (electromagnetic waves) · fa-ira شید (electromagnetic waves) · vi trạng thái (point of view) · ia lumine (source of illumination) · be святло́ (electromagnetic waves) · mg zava (electromagnetic waves) · mr प्रकाश (electromagnetic waves) · lbe экв (electromagnetic waves) · gd soillse (source of illumination) · el φως (electromagnetic waves) · or ଆଲୋକ (electromagnetic waves) · tl liwanag (source of illumination) · ga solas (electromagnetic waves) · ksw ကပီၤ (electromagnetic waves) · ar ضَوْء (electromagnetic waves) · osx lioht (electromagnetic waves) · os рухс (electromagnetic waves) · dng гуонлён (electromagnetic waves) · luy obulafu (electromagnetic waves) · lus êng (electromagnetic waves) · nl vuurtje (flame or something used to create fire) · gu તેજ (electromagnetic waves) · es luz (spiritual illumination) · pt fogo (flame or something used to create fire) · ses gaay (electromagnetic waves) · id cahaya (electromagnetic waves) · tyv чырык (electromagnetic waves) · tg нӯр (electromagnetic waves) · cdo 光 (electromagnetic waves) · si ආලෝකය (electromagnetic waves) · ur رَوشْنی (electromagnetic waves) · war hayag (source of illumination) · bua гэрэл (electromagnetic waves) · pl światło (point of view) · gez ብርሃን (electromagnetic waves) · hi तेज (spiritual illumination) · wlc mwendje (source of illumination) · de Lichtquelle (source of illumination) · sjo ᡝᠯᡩᡝᠨ (electromagnetic waves) · ur روشْنی (electromagnetic waves) · grc φάος (electromagnetic waves) · fa-ira فُروغ (electromagnetic waves) · be святлафо́р (traffic light, or an intersection controlled by one) · prg likti (source of illumination) · tl ilaw (source of illumination) · ca metxa (flame or something used to create fire) · hu lámpa (traffic light, or an intersection controlled by one) · la lux (flame or something used to create fire) · qu k'ancha (electromagnetic waves) · hu lámpa (source of illumination) · ln mwinda (electromagnetic waves) · aqc аккон (electromagnetic waves) · jv pepadhang (spiritual illumination) · gd solas (source of illumination) · haw ao (electromagnetic waves) · sw nuru (electromagnetic waves) · myv валдо (electromagnetic waves) · sh свје̏тло (electromagnetic waves) · ms cahaya (electromagnetic waves) · ur روشْنی (source of illumination) · mhr волгыдо (electromagnetic waves) · qu azki (electromagnetic waves) · ota ایشق (source of illumination) · lmo lus (electromagnetic waves) · fi valaistus (facts; pieces of information) · fi ikkuna (window, or space for one) · ext lus (electromagnetic waves) · ja 光 (electromagnetic waves) · qu azki (source of illumination) · ja 明かり (source of illumination) · vec lum (source of illumination) · lv gaisma (electromagnetic waves) · wa loumire (source of illumination) · fy ljocht (electromagnetic waves) · mn ᠭᠡᠷᠡᠯ (electromagnetic waves) · nap luce (electromagnetic waves) · ga solas (flame or something used to create fire) · nrf lumyire (electromagnetic waves) · hu látás (power of perception by vision) · my အလင်း (source of illumination) · co lumu (electromagnetic waves) · yag šola (electromagnetic waves) · bn নূর (electromagnetic waves) · an luz (source of illumination) · tt якты (electromagnetic waves) · gv sollys (electromagnetic waves) · ca llum (source of illumination) · ml വെളിച്ചം (electromagnetic waves) · lo ປະທີບ (source of illumination) · io foto (electromagnetic waves) · ts lesedi (electromagnetic waves) · ary ضو (electromagnetic waves) · srn leti (electromagnetic waves) · pl światło (window, or space for one) · ovd liuos (electromagnetic waves) · mrw solo' (electromagnetic waves) · inh сердал (electromagnetic waves) · sa प्रकाश (electromagnetic waves) · li leech (electromagnetic waves) · sux immaru (electromagnetic waves) · de Erleuchtung (spiritual illumination) · is ljós (electromagnetic waves) · bm kɛnɛ (electromagnetic waves) · gu રોશની (electromagnetic waves) · ru спи́чки (flame or something used to create fire) · sah сырдык (source of illumination) · hu fény (spiritual illumination) · qu acki (electromagnetic waves) · pi obhāsa (electromagnetic waves) · ssy ifo (electromagnetic waves) · arz نور (electromagnetic waves) · ar نُور (electromagnetic waves) · es luminaria (source of illumination) · bni mwese (electromagnetic waves) · krc джарыкъ (electromagnetic waves) · ja 明かり (electromagnetic waves) · nl licht (spiritual illumination) · ta ஒளி (electromagnetic waves) · rue світло́ (electromagnetic waves) · la lūmen (source of illumination) · ota آیدین (electromagnetic waves) · hi प्रकाश (source of illumination) · fa-ira رُوْشَنایی (electromagnetic waves) · tew ko (source of illumination) · kk нұр (electromagnetic waves) · sc lughe (electromagnetic waves) · tsg su (source of illumination) · be сьвятло́ (electromagnetic waves) · fi neuvo (facts; pieces of information) · kjh чарых (electromagnetic waves) · cy lleu (electromagnetic waves) · kl qaammaqqut (electromagnetic waves) · mwl lhuç (electromagnetic waves) · hu út (traffic light, or an intersection controlled by one) · ur نُور (electromagnetic waves) · hi दीप्ति (source of illumination) · fi merkkihenkilö (notable person) · ms nur (electromagnetic waves) · grc φέγγος (electromagnetic waves) · hy լույս (spiritual illumination) · chr ᎠᏨᏍᏗ (source of illumination) · st lesedi (source of illumination) · kmr ronahî (electromagnetic waves) · sg zigä (electromagnetic waves) · yi ליכט (electromagnetic waves) · zdj nuru (spiritual illumination) · eo lumo (electromagnetic waves) · hi आलोक (electromagnetic waves) · sco licht (source of illumination) · ja 視点 (point of view) · txb lyūke (electromagnetic waves) · fur lûs (electromagnetic waves) · hu gyufa (flame or something used to create fire) · dlm loic (electromagnetic waves) · la lumen (spiritual illumination) · gur peelem class 14 (pèèlém) (electromagnetic waves) · war suga (electromagnetic waves) · hu világosság (electromagnetic waves) · kl qaamaneq (electromagnetic waves) · kum ярыкъ (electromagnetic waves) · nl licht (source of illumination) · ota سراج (source of illumination) · my မီး (electromagnetic waves) · kw golow (electromagnetic waves) · hu fény (source of illumination) · nrf lümyir (electromagnetic waves) · grc φωστήρ (source of illumination) · nn ljos (spiritual illumination) · gl luz (notable person) · ar إِشَارَة ضَوْئِيَّة (traffic light, or an intersection controlled by one) · kmr ronî (spiritual illumination) · rup fanã (electromagnetic waves) · wa loumire (electromagnetic waves) · rif tfawt (source of illumination) · cy lleu (source of illumination) · war lamrag (electromagnetic waves) · ryu ふぃちゃい (electromagnetic waves) · mwl luç (electromagnetic waves) · ast lluz (electromagnetic waves) · de Flamme (flame or something used to create fire) · ajp ضوّ (electromagnetic waves) · eve ӈэрин (electromagnetic waves) · xdq ша́ла (electromagnetic waves) · ia lumine (electromagnetic waves) · izh valo (electromagnetic waves) · he אוֹר (point of view) · gl luz (flame or something used to create fire) · gld пудэн (electromagnetic waves) · tk ýagtylyk (electromagnetic waves) · hi प्रकाश (electromagnetic waves) · ja 灯り (source of illumination) · tet naroman (electromagnetic waves) · he אוֹרָה (electromagnetic waves) · es iluminaria (source of illumination) · co lume (electromagnetic waves) · dsb swětło (electromagnetic waves) · te కోణము (point of view) · nn ljos (electromagnetic waves) · cy goleuni (electromagnetic waves) · sh svȅtlōst (electromagnetic waves) · ckb ڕۆشنایی (source of illumination) · ru освеще́ние (source of illumination) · prg swāikstan (electromagnetic waves) · mt dawl (electromagnetic waves) · ba ҡараш (point of view) · zza zerq (electromagnetic waves) · kk сәуле (electromagnetic waves) · io lumo (source of illumination) · sw nuru (spiritual illumination) · afb اشارة (traffic light, or an intersection controlled by one) · ur پَرْکَاش (source of illumination) · az işıq (electromagnetic waves) · wuu 光 (electromagnetic waves) · ps ضيا (electromagnetic waves) · fa-ira رُوْشَنی (electromagnetic waves) · am ብርሃን (electromagnetic waves) · cs světlo (electromagnetic waves) · ca flama (flame or something used to create fire) · ja 光明 (spiritual illumination) · la lūmen (electromagnetic waves) · ar نُور (source of illumination) · fi päivänvalo (open view; public observation; publicity) · hu fényforrás (source of illumination) · mnc ᡝᠯᡩᡝᠨ (flame or something used to create fire) · sa भाम (electromagnetic waves) · hu fényszóró (source of illumination) · ota ایشق (electromagnetic waves) · te కాంతి (electromagnetic waves) · fi valo (point of view) · sco licht (flame or something used to create fire) · oui 𐽶𐽾𐽳𐽲 (electromagnetic waves) · ru зажига́лка (flame or something used to create fire) · ht limyè (electromagnetic waves) · kmr ronahî (spiritual illumination) · cmn 燈 /灯 (source of illumination) · crh yarıq (electromagnetic waves)
From Middle English lighten, lihten, from Old English līehtan (“to light, to shine”), from Proto-Germanic *liuhtijaną, from *leuhtą + *-janą. Cognate with German leuchten (“to shine”).
Meanings
(transitive) To start (a fire).
We lit the fire to get some heat.
(transitive) To set fire to; to set burning.
if a thousand candles be all lighted from one 1627, G[eorge] H[akewill], An Apologie of the Power and Prouidence of God in the Gouernment of the World. […], Oxford, Oxfordshire: […] Iohn Lichfield and William Turner, […], →OCLC:
She lit her last match.
(transitive) To illuminate; to provide light for when it is dark.
I used my torch to light the way home through the woods in the night.
It was lighted by a couple of windows, one of which favoured an intimate inspection of two chimney pots, and a diagonal section of the Town Hall clock. 1913, Norman Lindsay, A Curate in Bohemia, Sydney: N.S.W. Bookstall Co., published 1932, page 7:
The Sun has set, and Vesper, to supply / His absent beams, had lighted up the sky. 1700, [John] Dryden, “The Flower and the Leaf: Or, The Lady in the Arbour. A Vision.”, in Fables Ancient and Modern; […], London: […] Jacob Tonson, […], →OCLC:
19th century', Frederic Harrison, The Fortnightly Review
One hundred years ago, to have lit this theatre as brilliantly as it is now lighted would have cost, I suppose, fifty pounds.
"Can I light you down to your cab?" 1932, Delos W. Lovelace, King Kong, published 1965, page 9:
(intransitive) To become ignited; to take fire.
This soggy match will not light.
To attend or conduct with a light; to show the way to by means of a light.
His bishops lead him forth, and light him on. 1824, Walter Savage Landor, Imaginary Conversations: Richard I and the Abbot of Boxley:
(qualifier:pinball, transitive) To make (a bonus) available to be collected by hitting a target, and thus light up the feature light corresponding to that bonus to indicate its availability.
Light the extra ball by amassing 500 million points in the wizard mode.
af belig (to illuminate) · ang ǣlan (to set fire to) · it dare fuoco (to set fire to) · ko 불을 지르다 (to start (a fire)) · eo lumigi (to illuminate) · ga las (to illuminate) · th จุด (to start (a fire)) · lv uzdegt (to start (a fire)) · ga las (to start (a fire)) · vec inpiẑar (to start (a fire)) · grc αἴθω (to start (a fire)) · vi rọi sáng (to illuminate) · it accendere (to set fire to) · cs osvítit (to illuminate) · la illuminare (to illuminate) · nap abbiccià (to start (a fire)) · fi sytyttää (to start (a fire)) · ml പ്രകാശിയ്ക്കുക (to illuminate) · hi जलाना (to set fire to) · eo ekbruligi (to set fire to) · lv iedegt (to start (a fire)) · ru заже́чь (to start (a fire)) · da tænde (to start (a fire)) · eu isiotu (to start (a fire)) · is kveikja (to start (a fire)) · lv aizdegt (to start (a fire)) · ru зажига́ть (to start (a fire)) · es acender (to start (a fire)) · bg паля (to start (a fire)) · yi אונטערצינדן (to set fire to) · eu argitu (to illuminate) · ko 비추다 (to illuminate) · nrf alleunmer (to start (a fire)) · la accendō (to start (a fire)) · hi प्रज्वलन (to start (a fire)) · izh virittää (to start (a fire)) · te ప్రకాశింపజేయు (to illuminate) · ro ilumina (to illuminate) · fi valaista (to show the way by light) · nl aansteken (to start (a fire)) · hu meggyújt (to start (a fire)) · cs zapálit (to start (a fire)) · lv izgaismot (to illuminate) · vi đốt (to start (a fire)) · bg осветявам (to illuminate) · tl liwanag (to start (a fire)) · eu argiztatu (to illuminate) · sw kuwasha (to set fire to) · el ανάβω (to start (a fire)) · ca il·luminar (to illuminate) · da antænde (to start (a fire)) · ru освеща́ть (to illuminate) · te అంటించు (to start (a fire)) · zza rosn kerden (to start (a fire)) · hu megvilágít (to illuminate) · ca encendre (to start (a fire)) · ang līehtan (to illuminate) · hy լուսավորել (to illuminate) · hu gyújt (to start (a fire)) · hu (fénnyel) eláraszt (to illuminate) · grc ἅπτω (to start (a fire)) · vec inpiar (to start (a fire)) · ln bambola (to illuminate) · zza rosn kerden (to illuminate) · zh 點火 /点火 (to start (a fire)) · eu piztu (to start (a fire)) · vi chiếu sáng (to illuminate) · af aansteek (to start (a fire)) · nmn ʘʻáa (to start (a fire)) · ru разжига́ть (to start (a fire)) · es aluzar (to illuminate) · fr allumer (to set fire to) · lt apšviesti (to illuminate) · hi उजाला (to illuminate) · be запалі́ць (to start (a fire)) · bg паля се (to become ignited) · ca encendre (to illuminate) · bg запалвам (to start (a fire)) · be запа́льваць (to start (a fire)) · ig cha (to illuminate) · fr allumer (to illuminate) · fa افروختن (to illuminate) · sv tända (to start (a fire)) · he הצית (to start (a fire)) · dlm luminur (to illuminate) · he האיר (to illuminate) · km អុចភ្លើង (to start (a fire)) · lv aizdedzināt (to start (a fire)) · nl bijlichten (to illuminate) · kmr ron kirin (to illuminate) · de anstrahlen (to illuminate) · pt iluminar (to illuminate) · th เรือง (to illuminate) · hi प्रकाश (to illuminate) · hu felgyullad (to become ignited) · de anmachen (to start (a fire)) · cy goleuo (to illuminate) · aii ܒܵܗܹܪ (to illuminate) · ltg aizdegt (to start (a fire)) · pt acender (to set fire to) · pl rozpalić (to start (a fire)) · hu felgyújt (to start (a fire)) · gl acender (to start (a fire)) · no tenne (to start (a fire)) · vi soi sáng (to illuminate) · hi जलाना (to start (a fire)) · is lýsa (to illuminate) · tr aydınlatmak (to illuminate) · pl oświetlić (to illuminate) · ang ǣlan (to start (a fire)) · zh 點火 /点火 (to start (a fire)) · gl prender (to start (a fire)) · es iluminar (to illuminate) · wa atoker (to start (a fire)) · fr allumer (to start (a fire)) · he הבעיר (to start (a fire)) · lus häl (to start (a fire)) · zdj upatsa (to start (a fire)) · rup lunjinedz (to illuminate) · fr illuminer (to illuminate) · da belyse (to illuminate) · fi sytyttää (to set fire to) · sv belysa (to illuminate) · zdj uvuza (to start (a fire)) · my မီးထွန်း (to start (a fire)) · ja 引火する (to start (a fire)) · es encender (to set fire to) · io lumizar (to illuminate) · de anstecken (to start (a fire)) · nl lichten (to illuminate) · pt acender (to start (a fire)) · pl zapalić (to start (a fire)) · lus tiëng (to illuminate) · zh 點燃 /点燃 (to start (a fire)) · hy վառել (to start (a fire)) · es alumbrar (to illuminate) · ko 인화(引火)하다 (to start (a fire)) · yi אָנצינדן (to start (a fire)) · ko 불붙이다 (to start (a fire)) · lo ໄຕ້ (to start (a fire)) · af skyn (to illuminate) · fa درگیرانیدن (to start (a fire)) · tr yakmak (to start (a fire)) · ko 불켜다 (to illuminate) · eo fajrigi (to start (a fire)) · lus èn (to illuminate) · sh osvijetliti (to illuminate) · sl osvetliti (to illuminate) · ko 점화(點火)하다 (to start (a fire)) · hu meggyullad (to become ignited) · oc alucar (to start (a fire)) · la incendeō (to start (a fire)) · zh 照明 (to illuminate) · wa esprinde (to start (a fire)) · de anzünden (to set fire to) · lt uždegti (to start (a fire)) · cs osvětlit (to illuminate) · mi raiti (to start (a fire)) · aii ܛܲܦܹܐ (to start (a fire)) · sk zapáliť (to start (a fire)) · ja 点火する (to start (a fire)) · sh zapaliti (to start (a fire)) · et läitma (to start (a fire)) · sv lysa upp (to illuminate) · ro lumina (to illuminate) · fa روشن کردن (to illuminate) · ca encendre (to set fire to) · izh sytyttää (to start (a fire)) · sk zažať (to start (a fire)) · tpi kamapim (to start (a fire)) · fr éclairer (to show the way by light) · grc φωτίζω (to illuminate) · sk svietiť (to illuminate) · hu meggyújt (to set fire to) · ar أَشْعَلَ (to start (a fire)) · hi प्रज्वलित (to become ignited) · nrf alleunmer (to illuminate) · ja 照らす (to illuminate) · he הדליק (to start (a fire)) · pl iluminować (to illuminate) · cy cynnau (to start (a fire)) · lv apgaismot (to illuminate) · fa روشن کردن (to start (a fire)) · ar أَوْقَدَ (to start (a fire)) · lus ṭankai (to start (a fire)) · de beleuchten (to illuminate) · hu bevilágít (to illuminate) · roa-opt acender (to start (a fire)) · sh запалити (to start (a fire)) · sl prižgati (to start (a fire)) · no opplyse (to illuminate) · vi châm (to start (a fire)) · zza wekerden (to start (a fire)) · mwl alhumbrar (to illuminate) · th ส่อง (to illuminate) · da oplyse (to illuminate) · ko 밝히다 (to illuminate) · es acender (disused) (to set fire to) · sh упалити (to start (a fire)) · ro aprinde (to start (a fire)) · fi valaista (to illuminate) · ru освети́ть (to illuminate) · wa aloumer (to start (a fire)) · tl ilawan (to start (a fire)) · tpi lait (to start (a fire)) · lus tialh (to start (a fire)) · lij illüminò (to illuminate) · ru разже́чь (to start (a fire)) · vi nhóm (to start (a fire)) · sh upaliti (to start (a fire)) · fa افروختن (to start (a fire)) · vi thắp (to start (a fire)) · izh syttää (to start (a fire)) · io acendar (to start (a fire)) · gmh enzünden (to start (a fire)) · it accendere (to start (a fire)) · ar أَضَاءَ (to illuminate) · es fogarizar (to start (a fire)) · kmr agir vêxistin (to start (a fire)) · th เผา (to set fire to) · yi צינדן (to start (a fire)) · uk запали́ти (to start (a fire)) · hu világít (to illuminate) · cic ooti (to start (a fire)) · it illuminare (to illuminate) · uk запа́лювати (to start (a fire)) · et süütama (to start (a fire)) · izh virittää (to set fire to) · bni bambola (to illuminate) · es encender (to start (a fire)) · el φωτίζω (to illuminate) · de anzünden (to start (a fire)) · fi syttyä (to become ignited) · ml കത്തിയ്ക്കുക (to start (a fire)) · fa افروزانیدن (to set fire to) · eo ekbruligi (to start (a fire))
From Middle English light, liht, leoht, from Old English lēoht (“luminous, bright, light, clear, resplendent, renowned, beautiful”), from Proto-Germanic *leuhtaz (“light”), from Proto-Indo-European *lewk- (“light”). Cognate with Saterland Frisian ljoacht (“light”), Dutch licht, German licht.
Meanings
Having light; bright; clear; not dark or obscure.
The room is light when the Sun shines through the window.
Historic England explained the listing: "The station's unique design employs a high level of sophistication and innovation through its use of conoid shells supported on a cruck-like frame, which not only create a dramatic aesthetic form, but endow the building with a light and spacious interior." 2023 March 22, Philip Haigh, “Five configuration stages to boost Manchester rail capacity”, in RAIL, number 979, page 31:
Pale or whitish in color; highly luminous and more or less deficient in chroma.
She had light skin.
'Twas early June, the new grass was flourishing everywheres, the posies in the yard—peonies and such—in full bloom, the Sun was shining, and the water of the bay was blue, with light green streaks where the shoal showed. 1913, Joseph C[rosby] Lincoln, chapter I, in Mr. Pratt’s Patients, New York, N.Y.; London: D[aniel] Appleton and Company, →OCLC:
(of coffee) Served with extra milk or cream.
Do you want your coffee light or black? -I like mine light.
kmr ron (having light) · af blas vel (pale in colour) · fi vaalea (pale in colour) · fa روشن (having light) · cs světlý (pale in colour) · de hell (pale in colour) · sh svetao (having light) · lv gaišs (pale in colour) · vo klilik (pale in colour) · da belyst (having light) · pt clara (pale in colour) · hu halovány (pale in colour) · el αχνός (pale in colour) · kmr geş (having light) · te పాలిపోవు (pale in colour) · fi valoisa (having light) · lv balta (coffee: served with extra milk or cream) · hi गोरा (pale in colour) · pt iluminado (having light) · es luminoso (having light) · vi sáng sủa (having light) · es lumínico (having light) · fr clair (pale in colour) · cs světlý (having light) · he מוארת (having light) · km ពន្លឺ (having light) · pl świetlisty (having light) · rm clar (pale in colour) · bg светъл (pale in colour) · fi maidolla (coffee: served with extra milk or cream) · la clārus (having light) · af lig (having light) · es blancuzco (pale in colour) · sv med grädde (coffee: served with extra milk or cream) · sv med mjölk (coffee: served with extra milk or cream) · uk сві́тлий (having light) · io desobskura (pale in colour) · pl jasny (having light) · ko 창백(蒼白)하다 (pale in colour) · vi nhiều sữa (coffee: served with extra milk or cream) · is bjart (having light) · io klara (pale in colour) · ko 밝다 (having light) · vi nhạt (pale in colour) · oc clar (pale in colour) · he בהירה (pale in colour) · fr lumineuse (having light) · is fölur (pale in colour) · no belyst (having light) · es desblanquecido (pale in colour) · is björt (having light) · nl licht (pale in colour) · is með ^((please verify)) mjólk (coffee: served with extra milk or cream) · la lūcidus (having light) · tg равшан (having light) · fr pâle (pale in colour) · nl licht (having light) · de hell (having light) · it chiaro m or f chiara (pale in colour) · nl helder (having light) · rm cler (pale in colour) · qu achik (having light) · cy golau (having light) · no opplyst (having light) · ga bán- (pale in colour) · th สว่าง (having light) · uk сві́тлий (pale in colour) · el φωτεινός (having light) · pl świetlny (having light) · ga geal- (pale in colour) · tr açık (pale in colour) · de erleuchtet (having light) · es con leche (coffee: served with extra milk or cream) · sv ljus (pale in colour) · tr soluk (pale in colour) · he בהיר (pale in colour) · da bleg (pale in colour) · lij ciæo (pale in colour) · sl svetel (having light) · hi गोरी (pale in colour) · hi उज्ज्वलित (having light) · be све́тлы (having light) · mk светол (having light) · ar مُنِير (having light) · ko 옅다 (pale in colour) · af lig (pale in colour) · pt claro (pale in colour) · da oplyst (having light) · hu világos (pale in colour) · hu világos (having light) · es claro (pale in colour) · sh свијетао (having light) · cy golau (pale in colour) · ru све́тлый (pale in colour) · hu fényes (having light) · hi हलका (pale in colour) · lus ëng (pale in colour) · te కాంతి వంతము (having light) · sk svetlý (having light) · ka ნათელი (having light) · is bjartur (having light) · ca clar (pale in colour) · sw mwanga (coffee: served with extra milk or cream) · is hvítt (coffee: served with extra milk or cream) · es blanquizco (pale in colour) · sl svetel (pale in colour) · pt pingado (coffee: served with extra milk or cream) · ja 明るい (having light) · da med mælk (coffee: served with extra milk or cream) · nl lichtend (having light) · gl luminoso (having light) · no lys (pale in colour) · kmr (rengê) vebiye (pale in colour) · ko 밝다 (pale in colour) · lt šviesus (pale in colour) · ru бле́дный (pale in colour) · es blanquinoso (pale in colour) · ca tallat (coffee: served with extra milk or cream) · hu halvány (pale in colour) · af helder (having light) · es claro (having light) · no blek (pale in colour) · kmr geş (pale in colour) · da med fløde (coffee: served with extra milk or cream) · ga éadrom (pale in colour) · th อ่อน (pale in colour) · pl widny (having light) · gl pálido (pale in colour) · af bleek gesig (pale in colour) · sv blek (pale in colour) · gl claro (coffee: served with extra milk or cream) · eo luma (having light) · fr au lait (coffee: served with extra milk or cream) · prg lāuks (having light) · hu fakó (pale in colour) · ru я́ркий (having light) · gl claro (pale in colour) · sw mwanga (having light) · bg све́тъл (having light) · nl lichtgevend (having light) · lt šviesus (having light) · vi nhiều kem (coffee: served with extra milk or cream) · sh svijetao (having light) · vi nhẹ (coffee: served with extra milk or cream) · es desblanquiñado (pale in colour) · ar فَاتِح (pale in colour) · fr lumineux (having light) · es blancazo (pale in colour) · ru све́тлый (having light) · zh 明亮的 (having light) · he מואר (having light) · el ανοιχτός (pale in colour) · ba яҡты (having light) · es albarizo (pale in colour) · gl claro (having light) · hy բաց (pale in colour) · sw mwanga (pale in colour) · fi maitokahvi) (coffee: served with extra milk or cream) · ckb کاڵ (pale in colour) · sh светао (having light) · xdq ша́ла (having light) · es pálido (pale in colour) · no lyst (having light) · ckb ڕوناک (having light) · zh 浅色 (pale in colour) · te లైట్ (coffee: served with extra milk or cream) · lv gaišs (having light) · vo paelik (pale in colour) · bn রওশন (having light) · sv belyst (having light) · da lys (pale in colour) · es blanquecino (pale in colour) · zh 光明的 (having light) · lus ëng (having light) · is ljós (pale in colour) · yi ליכטיק (having light) · vi sáng (having light) · es musha (pale in colour) · sv ljus (having light) · da lys (having light) · pl jasny (pale in colour)
From Middle English liȝt, lyghte, from Old English lēht, lēoht, līht, from Proto-West Germanic *lį̄ht, from Proto-Germanic *linhtaz or *līhtaz (“light (in weight)”), from Proto-Indo-European *h₁lengʷʰ- (“lightweight”).
Cognates
Cognate with Dutch licht (“light (not heavy)”), German leicht (“light (not heavy)”), Luxembourgish liicht (“lightweight”), Vilamovian łajcht (“easy”), Yiddish לײַכט (laykht, “light (of low weight)”), Danish let (“light (not heavy)”), Faroese lættur (“light (of weight); easy (to do)”), Icelandic léttur (“light (not weighing much); easy”), Norwegian Bokmål and Norwegian Nynorsk lett (“light (not heavy); easy”), Swedish lätt (“light; of low weight”), Gothic 𐌻𐌴𐌹𐌷𐍄𐍃 (leihts, “light (in weight)”); also Irish léim (“jump, leap; obstacle to be jumped; chasm, promontory”), Scottish Gaelic leum, lèim (“bound, frisk, leap; jump”), Welsh llai (“smaller; fewer, less”), Latin levis (“light (not heavy)”), Greek ελαφρός (elafrós, “lightweight; slight, thin, weak”), Albanian lehtë (“lightweight; easy”), Lithuanian lengvas (“light (not heavy); easy”), Belarusian лёгкі (ljóhki, “light (not heavy); easy”), Bulgarian and Macedonian лек (lek, “light (not heavy)”), Czech lehký (“light (of low weight); easy”), Polish lekki, lętki (“light (having little physical weight); easy (not demanding much effort; not difficult)”), Russian лёгкий (ljóxkij, “lightweight; easy”), Serbo-Croatian ла̏к, ла̏ган, lȁk, lȁgan (“easy; light (not heavy)”), Slovak ľahký (“light (of low weight); easy”), Slovene lahek (“light (of low weight); easy”), Ukrainian легки́й (lehkýj, “lightweight”), Armenian լանջ (lanǰ), լանջք (lanǰkʻ, “breast; mountain slope”), Persian لاغر (lâġar, “lithe; skinny; slender; thin”), Tocharian B lankᵤtse (“light (not heavy)”), Sanskrit लघु (laghu), रघु (raghu, “easy, light, not heavy or difficult”).
Meanings
Having little or relatively little actual weight; not heavy; not cumbrous or unwieldy.
a light load ; a lighter backpack after having removed the books ; light weapons
These weights did not exert their natural gravity […] insomuch that I could not guess which was light or heavy whilst I held them in my hand. 1712 August 31 (Gregorian calendar), [Joseph Addison; Richard Steele et al.], “WEDNESDAY, August 21, 1712”, in The Spectator, number 463; republished in Alexander Chalmers, editor, The Spectator; a New Edition, […], volume V, New York, N.Y.: D[aniel] Appleton & Company, 1853, →OCLC:
Having little weight as compared with bulk; of little density or specific gravity.
feathers and cork are light ; oil is lighter than water
Of short or insufficient weight; weighing less than the legal, standard, or proper amount; clipped or diminished.
to issue light coin
Lacking that which burdens or makes heavy. ▸ Free from burden or impediment; unencumbered.
Lacking that which burdens or makes heavy. ▸ Lightly built; typically designed for speed or small loads.
a light aircraft ; a light tank
Lacking that which burdens or makes heavy. ▸ Not heavily armed; armed with light weapons.
light infantry; a troop of light horse
(of a ship) Lacking that which burdens or makes heavy. ▸ Riding high because of no cargo; by extension, pertaining to a ship which is light.
if a ship is light or partially loaded ; the light draft of a vessel, or its light displacement
(of a locomotive or consist of locomotives) Lacking that which burdens or makes heavy. ▸ Without any piece of equipment attached or attached only to a caboose.
the light locomotives ; a locomotive may be moved light
On that August Thursday afternoon, there was little freight traffic; a large "K3" Mogul went down with a short, fast goods, and a W.D. 2-8-0 proceeded northward light. 1951 January, R. A. H. Weight, “A Railway Recorder in Essex and Hertfordshire”, in Railway Magazine, page 44:
Lacking that which burdens or makes heavy. ▸ With low viscosity.
Not heavy or soggy; spongy; well raised.
a light bread ; sponge cake is a light cake
Low in fat, calories, alcohol, salt, etc.
This light beer still gets you drunk if you have enough of it.
Slight, not forceful or intense; small in amount or intensity.
a light drizzle//a light rain was falling//a light snow set in
Gentle; having little force or momentum.
This artist clearly had a light, flowing touch.
Easy to endure or perform.
light duties around the house
Light sufferings give us leisure to complain. 1697, Virgil, “Palamon and Arcite”, in John Dryden, transl., The Works of Virgil: Containing His Pastorals, Georgics, and Æneis. […], London: […] Jacob Tonson, […], →OCLC:
Unimportant, trivial, having little value or significance.
I made some light comment, and we moved on.
He had drunk more than was fit for him, and he was singing some light song, when he saw approaching, as he said, the pale horse mentioned in the Revelation, with Death seated as the rider. 1902, John Buchan, The Outgoing of the Tide:
(obsolete) Unchaste, wanton.
So do not you; for you are a light girl. c. 1595–1596 (date written), William Shakespeare, “Loues Labour’s Lost”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene ii]:
A light wife doth make a heavy husband. c. 1596–1598 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Merchant of Venice”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene i]:
Long after lay he musing at her mood, / Much grieu'd to thinke that gentle Dame so light, / For whose defence he was to shed his blood. 1590, Edmund Spenser, “Book I, Canto I”, in The Faerie Queene. […], London: […] [John Wolfe] for William Ponsonbie, →OCLC:
Not encumbered; unembarrassed; clear of impediments; hence, active; nimble; swift.
Unmarried men are best friends, best masters […] but not always best subjects, for they are light to run away. 1625, Francis [Bacon], “Of Marriage and Single Life”, in The Essayes […], 3rd edition, London: […] Iohn Haviland for Hanna Barret, →OCLC:
Fast; nimble.
(dated) Easily influenced by trifling considerations; unsteady; unsettled; volatile.
There is no greater argument of a light and inconsiderate person than profanely to scoff at religion. 1633, John Tillotson, The Wisdom of being Religious:
a light, vain person; a light mind
Indulging in, or inclined to, levity; lacking dignity or solemnity; frivolous; airy.
Seneca can not be too heavy, nor Plautus too light. c. 1599–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene ii]:
Ogden Nash was a writer of light verse.
specimens of New England humour laboriously light and lamentably mirthful 1851, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Old News:
Not quite sound or normal; somewhat impaired or deranged; dizzy; giddy.
Are his wits safe? Is he not light of brain? c. 1603–1604 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Othello, the Moore of Venice”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act IV, scene i]:
Easily interrupted by stimulation.
light sleep; light anesthesia
Cheerful.
I wish you a good day, and you'll find a way
To make your spirits light & gay 1980, “ア・グッド・デイ [A Good Day]”, Yoko Narahashi (lyrics), Yukihide Takekawa (music), performed by Godiego:
Forms
Spelling
Features
Labels
Source
lightest
Degree=Sup
lexicographic
lyght
alternative, obsolete
lexicographic
lighte
alternative, obsolete
lexicographic
lite
Polite=Infm
alternative, archaic
lexicographic
lighter
Degree=Cmp
lexicographic
licht
Scotland, alternative
lexicographic
lyghte
alternative, obsolete
lexicographic
Antonyms
fatty (antonym(s) of “low in fat, calories, etc”) · forceful (antonym(s) of “having little force or momentum”) · weighty (antonym(s) of “having little value or significance”) · heavyweight (antonym(s) of “lightly-built”) · shady · weighty (antonym(s) of “of little weight”) · burdensome (antonym(s) of “of little weight”) · heavy (antonym(s) of “of little weight”) · calorific (antonym(s) of “low in fat, calories, etc”) · heavy (antonym(s) of “having little force or momentum”) · strong (antonym(s) of “low in fat, calories, etc”) · dim · strong (antonym(s) of “having little force or momentum”) · cumbersome (antonym(s) of “lightly-built”) · crucial (antonym(s) of “having little value or significance”) · important (antonym(s) of “having little value or significance”) · massive (antonym(s) of “lightly-built”) · cloudy · dark · dull
From Middle English liȝt, lyghte, from Old English lēht, lēoht, līht, from Proto-West Germanic *lį̄ht, from Proto-Germanic *linhtaz or *līhtaz (“light (in weight)”), from Proto-Indo-European *h₁lengʷʰ- (“lightweight”).
Cognates
Cognate with Dutch licht (“light (not heavy)”), German leicht (“light (not heavy)”), Luxembourgish liicht (“lightweight”), Vilamovian łajcht (“easy”), Yiddish לײַכט (laykht, “light (of low weight)”), Danish let (“light (not heavy)”), Faroese lættur (“light (of weight); easy (to do)”), Icelandic léttur (“light (not weighing much); easy”), Norwegian Bokmål and Norwegian Nynorsk lett (“light (not heavy); easy”), Swedish lätt (“light; of low weight”), Gothic 𐌻𐌴𐌹𐌷𐍄𐍃 (leihts, “light (in weight)”); also Irish léim (“jump, leap; obstacle to be jumped; chasm, promontory”), Scottish Gaelic leum, lèim (“bound, frisk, leap; jump”), Welsh llai (“smaller; fewer, less”), Latin levis (“light (not heavy)”), Greek ελαφρός (elafrós, “lightweight; slight, thin, weak”), Albanian lehtë (“lightweight; easy”), Lithuanian lengvas (“light (not heavy); easy”), Belarusian лёгкі (ljóhki, “light (not heavy); easy”), Bulgarian and Macedonian лек (lek, “light (not heavy)”), Czech lehký (“light (of low weight); easy”), Polish lekki, lętki (“light (having little physical weight); easy (not demanding much effort; not difficult)”), Russian лёгкий (ljóxkij, “lightweight; easy”), Serbo-Croatian ла̏к, ла̏ган, lȁk, lȁgan (“easy; light (not heavy)”), Slovak ľahký (“light (of low weight); easy”), Slovene lahek (“light (of low weight); easy”), Ukrainian легки́й (lehkýj, “lightweight”), Armenian լանջ (lanǰ), լանջք (lanǰkʻ, “breast; mountain slope”), Persian لاغر (lâġar, “lithe; skinny; slender; thin”), Tocharian B lankᵤtse (“light (not heavy)”), Sanskrit लघु (laghu), रघु (raghu, “easy, light, not heavy or difficult”).
Meanings
A stone that is not thrown hard enough.
See lights (“lungs”).
(Australia, uncountable) A low-alcohol lager.
We crossed to the pub on the corner of Carlisle Street and I ordered two schooners of old for him and one of light for me. 2010, Peter Corris, Torn Apart, Allen and Unwin, page 117:
From Middle English liȝt, lyghte, from Old English lēht, lēoht, līht, from Proto-West Germanic *lį̄ht, from Proto-Germanic *linhtaz or *līhtaz (“light (in weight)”), from Proto-Indo-European *h₁lengʷʰ- (“lightweight”).
Cognates
Cognate with Dutch licht (“light (not heavy)”), German leicht (“light (not heavy)”), Luxembourgish liicht (“lightweight”), Vilamovian łajcht (“easy”), Yiddish לײַכט (laykht, “light (of low weight)”), Danish let (“light (not heavy)”), Faroese lættur (“light (of weight); easy (to do)”), Icelandic léttur (“light (not weighing much); easy”), Norwegian Bokmål and Norwegian Nynorsk lett (“light (not heavy); easy”), Swedish lätt (“light; of low weight”), Gothic 𐌻𐌴𐌹𐌷𐍄𐍃 (leihts, “light (in weight)”); also Irish léim (“jump, leap; obstacle to be jumped; chasm, promontory”), Scottish Gaelic leum, lèim (“bound, frisk, leap; jump”), Welsh llai (“smaller; fewer, less”), Latin levis (“light (not heavy)”), Greek ελαφρός (elafrós, “lightweight; slight, thin, weak”), Albanian lehtë (“lightweight; easy”), Lithuanian lengvas (“light (not heavy); easy”), Belarusian лёгкі (ljóhki, “light (not heavy); easy”), Bulgarian and Macedonian лек (lek, “light (not heavy)”), Czech lehký (“light (of low weight); easy”), Polish lekki, lętki (“light (having little physical weight); easy (not demanding much effort; not difficult)”), Russian лёгкий (ljóxkij, “lightweight; easy”), Serbo-Croatian ла̏к, ла̏ган, lȁk, lȁgan (“easy; light (not heavy)”), Slovak ľahký (“light (of low weight); easy”), Slovene lahek (“light (of low weight); easy”), Ukrainian легки́й (lehkýj, “lightweight”), Armenian լանջ (lanǰ), լանջք (lanǰkʻ, “breast; mountain slope”), Persian لاغر (lâġar, “lithe; skinny; slender; thin”), Tocharian B lankᵤtse (“light (not heavy)”), Sanskrit लघु (laghu), रघु (raghu, “easy, light, not heavy or difficult”).
Meanings
To unload a ship, or to jettison material to make it lighter.
To lighten; to ease of a burden; to take off.
His mailèd habergeon she did undight, / And from his head his heavy burgonet did light. 1590, Edmund Spenser, “(please specify the book)”, in The Faerie Queene. […], London: […] [John Wolfe] for William Ponsonbie, →OCLC:
fi keventää (to ease of a burden) · it allibare (to unload a ship) · it allegiare (to unload a ship) · sw mwanga (to unload a ship) · fi purkaa (to unload a ship) · no losse (to unload a ship) · bg облекчавам (to ease of a burden) · fi keventää (to unload a ship)
From Middle English lighten, from Old English līhtan (“to relieve”), from Proto-West Germanic *lį̄htijan, from Proto-Germanic *linhtijaną, from *linhtaz (“light”).
Meanings
To find by chance.
I lit upon a rare book in a second-hand bookseller's.
To stop upon (of eyes or a glance); to notice.
"Sacredam!" he cried, when his eyes lit upon Buck. "Dat one dam bully dog! Eh? How moch?" 1903 July, Jack London, “Into the Primitive”, in The Call of the Wild, New York, N.Y.: The Macmillan Company; London: Macmillan & Co., →OCLC, page 34:
(archaic) To alight; to land or come down.
One cannot help but notice a teasingly elusive air about her, as if she were a butterfly that refused to light and fluttered just out of reach of its would-be captor. 1977 December 31, Lisa Nussbaum, “Jacqui Mac: Bringing Her Dreams Together”, in Gay Community News, volume 4, number 26, page 10:
1957, Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel), The Cat in the Hat
And our fish came down, too. He fell into a pot! He said, "Do I like this? Oh, no! I do not. This is not a good game," Said our fish as he lit.
And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel. 1769, Benjamin Blayney (Ed.), King James Bible (Genesis 24:64)
Some kinds of ducks in lighting strike the water with their tails first, and skitter along the surface for a few feet before settling down. 1885, Theodore Roosevelt, Hunting Trips of a Ranchman:
She fell out of the window but luckily lit on her feet.
[W]e knew not what Courſe to take, but the Creatures [wolves] reſolv'd us ſoon, for they gather'd about us preſently, in Hopes of Prey, […] I drew my little Troop in among thoſe Trees, and placing our ſelves in a Line, behind one long Tree, I advis'd them all to light, and keeping that Tree before us, for a Breaſt-Work, to ſtand in a Triangle, or three Fronts, encloſing our Horſes in the Center. 1719 May 6 (Gregorian calendar), [Daniel Defoe], The Life and Strange Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, […], London: […] W[illiam] Taylor […], →OCLC, pages 356–357:
vi xuống (alight) · io trovar (to find by chance) · da snuble over (to find by chance) · ga tuirling (alight) · fi pudota (alight) · fi löytää sattumalta (to find by chance) · bg натъквам се (to find by chance) · vi tình cờ gặp (to find by chance) · da lande (alight) · bg слизам (alight) · fi laskeutua (alight) · fi törmätä (to find by chance) · fi päätyä (alight) · sw mwanga (alight) · sw mwanga (to find by chance)