Light: meaning, definitions and examples

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light

[laɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

source of illumination

Light is the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible. It is electromagnetic radiation within a certain portion of the spectrum, which is perceived by the human eye.

Synonyms

brightness, illumination, radiance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
light	General term for natural or artificial illumination. It can also refer to something that isn't heavy. The room needs more light. Can you turn on the light? She carried a light bag.
illumination	Refers to the process or effect of lighting up something, often used in more formal or technical contexts. The illumination in the museum was perfect for viewing the art. Street illumination improves safety at night.
brightness	Describes the quality of being bright, usually in reference to light or color intensity. The brightness of the sun made it hard to see. Adjust the brightness on your screen.
radiance	Describes a warm, glowing light that seems to come from something, often used metaphorically to describe someone's expression or mood. Her radiance was evident as she walked down the aisle. The radiance of the sunset is breathtaking.

Examples of usage

The sun provides light during the day.
She turned on the light in the room.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

something that makes things visible

Light can refer to a source of light, such as a lamp or a bulb, that illuminates a space and makes objects visible in the dark.

Synonyms

bulb, lamp, torch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
light	General term for anything that produces illumination. Can refer to natural or artificial sources. The light from the sun is very bright today Can you turn on the light in the room?
lamp	Refers to a device that produces light, often placed on tables or floors, and can be decorative or functional. She bought a beautiful new lamp for her bedside table The lamp on the desk isn't working properly
bulb	Specifically refers to a glass vessel containing a filament or other form of light source, used in lamps and other fixtures. I need to replace the bulb in the living room lamp The bulb burnt out, and now it’s dark
torch	Refers to a portable light source, often battery-operated or combustible, suitable for outdoor or emergency use. In American English, it is commonly known as a 'flashlight'. We used a torch to find our way back to the campsite It's a good idea to keep a torch in the car for emergencies

Examples of usage

He switched on the light to find his keys.
The lighthouse guided ships with its powerful light.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

to make something start burning

To light something means to ignite or set it on fire. It can also refer to illuminating an area by turning on a light source.

Synonyms

ignite, illuminate, kindle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
light	As a verb, it is synonymous with 'ignite' or 'turn on,' but as a noun, it refers to the source of illumination. It’s versatile with both literal and metaphorical uses. - Verb: She used a match to light the candle. - Noun: The soft light of the lamp filled the room.
ignite	Often used in more technical or dramatic contexts to describe starting a fire, explosion, or strong emotion. The fuel needs to ignite at a high temperature. His speech managed to ignite a sense of hope among the crowd.
kindle	Typically associated with starting a fire in a poetic or old-fashioned manner. Can also metaphorically describe starting an emotion or interest. They used dry leaves to kindle the fire. Her words managed to kindle a passion for reading in him.
illuminate	Used when describing the process of lighting up a space or making something clearer. Often implies a sense of spreading understanding or light. The streetlights illuminate the road at night. The teacher's explanation helped to illuminate the complex topic.

Examples of usage

She used a match to light the candle.
He lit the campfire to keep warm.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Old English 'liht,' which means 'not heavy or heavy,' evolving to mean brightness as well.
In many languages, words for light often derive from the same root as words for 'clear' or 'to illuminate,' suggesting a common need for clarity.

Science

Light travels at an astonishing speed of about 186,282 miles per second (299,792 kilometers per second) in a vacuum.
It's not just one type; light includes visible light (what we see), ultraviolet light (stronger than visible light), and infrared light (invisible heat).
When light passes through different materials, it can bend and change direction, a process known as refraction, which is responsible for rainbows.

Pop Culture

Light is a central theme in numerous films, often symbolizing hope and goodness (e.g., the 'light at the end of the tunnel').
In music, songs like 'Blinded by the Light' evoke feelings of joy and surprise, highlighting light’s emotional symbolism.

Art

Artists like Claude Monet used light to capture fleeting moments in nature, making it a fundamental element in Impressionist painting.
Many paintings, especially from the Baroque period, expertly use light and shadow (chiaroscuro) to create depth and drama.

Literature

In literature, light is often a metaphor for knowledge, purity, and enlightenment, appearing in works from ancient texts to modern novels.
Common phrases like 'bring to light' suggest revealing hidden truths, showing how integral light is as a concept in storytelling.

Translations

Translations of the word "light" in other languages:

🇵🇹 luz

🇮🇳 प्रकाश

🇩🇪 Licht

🇮🇩 cahaya

🇺🇦 світло

🇵🇱 światło

🇯🇵 光 (ひかり)

🇫🇷 lumière

🇪🇸 luz

🇹🇷 ışık

🇰🇷 빛 (빛)

🇸🇦 ضوء

🇨🇿 světlo

🇸🇰 svetlo

🇨🇳 光 (guāng)

🇸🇮 svetloba

🇮🇸 ljós

🇰🇿 жарық

🇬🇪 სინათლე

🇦🇿 işıq

🇲🇽 luz

Word Frequency Rank

With position #258, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.

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255 therefore
256 program
257 support
258 light
259 increase
260 common
261 position
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