Light
/laɪt/
Definitions
5 meaningsThe electromagnetic radiation within a certain portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, capable of being perceived by the human eye.
/laɪt/
The natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible.
The morning light streamed through the window.
💡 Simply: Light is what lets you see! Like the sun's light or the light from a lamp. Without light, you wouldn't be able to see anything.
👶 For kids: Light is what helps us see! It comes from the sun, a lamp, or a flashlight.
More Examples
We need more light in this room.
The artist used the light and shadow to create a dramatic effect.
How It's Used
"The room was filled with natural light."
"Light travels at a speed of approximately 300,000 kilometers per second."
A device or source that produces illumination.
/laɪt/
A source of illumination.
The Christmas lights were beautiful.
💡 Simply: It's like a lamp or a flashlight! Lights help us see in the dark. You can flip a switch to turn them on.
👶 For kids: Lights are things that make it bright! Like a lamp or a flashlight.
More Examples
The streetlights came on as dusk approached.
She turned on the bedside light to read.
How It's Used
"Turn off the lights when you leave the room."
"The camera's flash provides a bright light for photos."
Having little weight; not heavy.
/laɪt/
Not heavy; of little weight.
The feather was light as a breeze.
💡 Simply: Something that's light is easy to carry! Like a feather or a small book. It's not heavy.
👶 For kids: Light means not heavy! Like a balloon.
More Examples
A light suitcase is easier to travel with.
She preferred a light lunch, like a salad.
How It's Used
"The box was surprisingly light."
"I prefer a light meal before bed."
Pale in color; not dark.
/laɪt/
She painted the walls a light shade of gray.
💡 Simply: When something's light in color, it's pale or bright. Think of light blue or light pink.
👶 For kids: Light colors are not dark! Like a white or yellow color.
More Examples
The light fabric felt cool against her skin.
The sky was a light shade of blue.
How It's Used
"She wore a light blue dress."
"The painter used light colors to create a sense of airiness."
To set on fire or provide with a source of illumination.
/laɪt/
To set something on fire; ignite.
He lit the fireplace to keep warm.
💡 Simply: To light something means to make it shine or burn. Like lighting a candle or a match.
👶 For kids: To light something means to make it burn or shine!
More Examples
She lit a cigarette.
The electrician lit the new chandelier.
How It's Used
"He lit the candles for the romantic dinner."
"Light the stove to cook."
Synonyms
Brightness
Daylight
Illumination
Bulb
Fixture
Lamp
Airy
Faint
Fair
Pale
Pastel
Ignite
Illuminate
Kindle
Idioms & expressions
in (a) light of
Considering something; taking something into account.
"In light of the recent events, we must re-evaluate our plans."
see the light
To understand something; to become enlightened.
"After years of resistance, he finally saw the light and agreed with our proposal."
light up
To become happy and excited.
"Her face lit up when she saw her friends."
a light bulb moment
A sudden moment of understanding or insight.
"Then I had a light bulb moment and realized how the machine worked."
From Old English *lēoht* (noun), *līht* (adjective), from Proto-Germanic *leukhtam* (noun), *leukhtaz* (adjective), from Proto-Indo-European *leuk-* (to shine, be bright).
The word 'light' has been used for centuries, originally referring to both illumination and lack of weight. Its usage in philosophical and religious contexts, referring to enlightenment and understanding, developed later.
Memory tip
Think of a lightbulb or the sun to remember light.