see the light

Variant of light

light definition

light (līt)

noun

    1. 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)
    2. a form of radiant energy similar to this, but not acting on the normal retina, as ultraviolet and infrared radiation
  2. the rate of flow of light radiation with respect to the sense of sight: it is measured in lumens
  3. the sensation that light stimulates in the organs of sight
  4. brightness; illumination, often of a specified kind the dim light of a candle
  5. a source of light, as the sun, a lamp, a light bulb, etc.
  6. traffic light
  7. the light from the sun; daylight or dawn
  8. a thing by means of which something can be started burning a light for a cigar
  9. the means by which light is let in; window or windowpane
  10. mental illumination; knowledge or information; enlightenment to shed light on the past
  11. spiritual inspiration
  12. public knowledge or view to bring new facts to light
  13. the way in which something is seen; aspect presented in a favorable light
  14. facial expression showing a mental or emotional state a light of recognition in his eyes
  15. a person whose brilliant record makes him or her an example for others; outstanding figure one of the shining lights of the school
    1. the quality suggesting light created in a painting, drawing, etc., esp. in certain areas
    2. such an area

Etymology: ME liht < OE lēoht, akin to Ger licht < IE base *leuk-, to shine, bright > Gr leukos, white, L lux & lumen, light, lucere, to shine, luna, moon, Welsh llug, gleam

adjective

  1. having light; not dark; bright
  2. pale in color; whitish; fair

Etymology: ME liht < OE leoht

adverb

not brightly; in a pale way a light blue color

transitive verb lighted light′ed or lit, lighting light′·ing

  1. to set on fire; ignite to light a bonfire
  2. to cause to give off light to light a lamp
  3. to give light to; furnish with light; illuminate lamps light the streets
  4. to brighten; animate
  5. to show the way to by giving light a beacon lights the ships to harbor

Etymology: ME lighten < OE lihtan

intransitive verb

  1. to catch fire the fuse lighted at once
  2. to be lighted; brighten: usually with up
light Idioms

according to one's lights

as one's opinions, information, or standards may direct

in the light of

with knowledge of; considering

light up

  1. to make or become light
  2. to make or become bright, cheerful, etc.
  3. Informal to begin smoking (a cigar, etc.)

see the light (of day)

  1. to come into existence
  2. to come to public view
  3. ☆ to understand

stand in one's own light

to harm one's reputation by acting unwisely

strike a light

to make a flame, as with a match

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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