Light Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ก
light
[laษชt ]
Definitions
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.
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| illumination |
Refers to the process or effect of lighting up something, often used in more formal or technical contexts.
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| brightness |
Describes the quality of being bright, usually in reference to light or color intensity.
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| radiance |
Describes a warm, glowing light that seems to come from something, often used metaphorically to describe someone's expression or mood.
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Examples of usage
- The sun provides light during the day.
- She turned on the light in the room.
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| light |
General term for anything that produces illumination. Can refer to natural or artificial sources.
|
| lamp |
Refers to a device that produces light, often placed on tables or floors, and can be decorative or functional.
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| bulb |
Specifically refers to a glass vessel containing a filament or other form of light source, used in lamps and other fixtures.
|
| 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'.
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Examples of usage
- He switched on the light to find his keys.
- The lighthouse guided ships with its powerful light.
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
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. Itโs versatile with both literal and metaphorical uses.
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| ignite |
Often used in more technical or dramatic contexts to describe starting a fire, explosion, or strong emotion.
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| kindle |
Typically associated with starting a fire in a poetic or old-fashioned manner. Can also metaphorically describe starting an emotion or interest.
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| illuminate |
Used when describing the process of lighting up a space or making something clearer. Often implies a sense of spreading understanding or light.
|
Examples of usage
- She used a match to light the candle.
- He lit the campfire to keep warm.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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 lightโs 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.
Origin of 'light'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'light' originated from the Old English word 'lฤoht', which is related to the Dutch word 'licht' and the German word 'Licht'. Throughout history, light has been associated with various symbolic meanings, such as enlightenment, knowledge, and purity. The study of light has played a significant role in the development of physics and optics.
See also: enlighten, highlight, lighten, lightened, lightening, lighter, lightheaded, lightheadedness, lighthearted, lightheartedly, lightheartedness, lighting, lightly, lightness, lightweight, relight.