Light Definition

līt
lighted, lighter, lightest, lighting, lights, lit, lighter 1
noun
lights
The form of electromagnetic radiation that acts upon the retina of the eye, optic nerve, etc., making sight possible: this energy is transmitted in a vacuum at a velocity of 299,792,458 meters per second (c. 186,000 miles per second)
Webster's New World
A form of radiant energy similar to this, but not acting on the normal retina, as ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
Webster's New World
Electromagnetic radiation of any frequency or wavelength.
American Heritage
The rate of flow of light radiation with respect to the sense of sight: it is measured in lumens.
Webster's New World
The sensation that light stimulates in the organs of sight.
Webster's New World
verb
lighted, lighting, lights, lit
To catch fire.
The fuse lighted at once.
Webster's New World
To set on fire; ignite.
To light a bonfire.
Webster's New World
To get down from a horse or vehicle; dismount; alight.
Webster's New World
To descend to the ground after flight; land.
American Heritage
To cause to give off light.
To light a lamp.
Webster's New World
adjective
lighter, lightest, lighter 1
Having a greater rather than lesser degree of lightness.
American Heritage
Of or being an additive primary color.
American Heritage
Having light; not dark; bright.
Webster's New World
Pale in color; not bright.
A light blue color.
Webster's New World
Having little weight; not heavy.
Webster's New World
adverb
In a light manner; lightly.
American Heritage
Webster's New World
With little luggage, cargo, etc.
To travel light.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
idiom
cast
  • To provide information about or clarify (something).
American Heritage
in (the) light of
  • In consideration of; in relationship to.
American Heritage
light a fire under
  • To urge or move to action.
American Heritage
light at the end of the tunnel
  • The prospect of success, relief, or escape after strenuous effort.
American Heritage
go light on
  • To use, acquire, or consume in small or moderate amounts:

    go light on the garlic.

  • To treat leniently.
American Heritage

Other Word Forms of Light

Noun

Singular:
light
Plural:
lights

Adjective

Base Form:
light
Comparative:
lighter 1
Superlative:
lightest

Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Light

Origin of Light

  • From Middle English light, liht, leoht, from Old English lÄ“oht (“light, daylight; power of vision; luminary; world"), from Proto-Germanic *leuhtÄ… (“light"), from Proto-Indo-European *lewktom, from the root *lewk- (“light"). Cognate with Scots licht (“light"), West Frisian ljocht (“light"), Dutch licht (“light"), Low German licht (“light"), German Licht (“light"). Related also to Swedish ljus (“light"), Icelandic ljós (“light"), Latin lÅ«x (“light"), Russian луч (luč, “beam of light"), Armenian Õ¬Õ¸Ö‚ÕµÕ½ (luys, “light").

    From Wiktionary

  • From Old English lÄ“oht, from Proto-Germanic *linhtaz, from Proto-Indo-European *h₁lengÊ·Ê°- (“light"). Cognate with Dutch licht, German leicht, Swedish lätt, Norwegian lett, Albanian lehtë, Latin levis, Lithuanian lengvas, Sanskrit लघु (laghú).

    From Wiktionary

  • From Middle English light, liht, leoht, from Old English lÄ“oht (“luminous, bright, light, clear, resplendent, renowned, beautiful"), from Proto-Germanic *leuhtaz (“light"), from Proto-Indo-European *lewk- (“light"). Cognate with Dutch licht, German licht.

    From Wiktionary

  • From Middle English lighten, lihten, from Old English lÄ«htan, lȳhtan, lÄ“ohtan (“to lighten, illuminate, give light, shine; grow light, dawn; light, kindle").

    From Wiktionary

  • Middle English from Old English lēoht, līht legwh- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Middle English from Old English lēoht, līht leuk- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Old English lÄ«htan

    From Wiktionary

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