Light: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.