Lighter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lighter

[หˆlaษชtษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

fire

A device used to create a flame for lighting cigarettes, candles, or fires. It typically consists of a metal or plastic container filled with a flammable liquid and a wick that is ignited by friction.

Synonyms

fire lighter, igniter.

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Word Description / Examples
lighter

This term repeats the first entry and has already been described.

fire lighter

Usually refers to a small block or product designed specifically to start fires in fireplaces, barbecues, or similar settings. This term is often used in more industrial or outdoor contexts.

  • We bought some fire lighters to start the grill tonight.
  • The camping store sells fire lighters for easy campfire setups.
igniter

Often refers to a device that initiates combustion in various contexts, such as in engines, furnaces, rockets, or other technical applications. This term is often used in technical or industrial settings.

  • The rocket's igniter failed to work properly during the launch.
  • The technician replaced the faulty igniter in the gas furnace.

Examples of usage

  • She lit her cigarette with a lighter.
  • He used a lighter to start the campfire.
Context #2 | Noun

color

A shade that is lighter than a particular color. It is often used in art, design, and fashion to create contrast or highlight certain features.

Synonyms

brighter, paler.

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Word Description / Examples
lighter

Used to describe something with less weight or intensity; can also refer to a shade that is less dark.

  • This suitcase is lighter than yours.
  • She chose a lighter color for the living room walls.
paler

Used to describe something with a lighter color but carries a sense of being more washed out or less vibrant; can also signify a lack of health or strong emotion when referring to skin tone.

  • After the illness, his skin looked much paler.
  • The pink walls in the room seemed paler in the morning light.
brighter

Used to describe something with more light or vividness; often conveys a sense of cheerfulness or optimism.

  • The sun is much brighter today.
  • They chose a brighter color palette for the party decorations.

Examples of usage

  • She painted the walls a lighter shade of blue.
  • The artist used a lighter hue to emphasize the details.
Context #3 | Adjective

weight

Comparatively low in weight or density. It can refer to objects, materials, or substances that are not heavy or burdensome.

Synonyms

less heavy, lightweight.

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Word Description / Examples
lighter

Used to describe something that has less weight compared to something else. It can also refer to a change in weight or to compare the weights of different objects.

  • This suitcase is much lighter than the one I used on my last trip.
  • I switched to a lighter laptop because my old one was too heavy to carry around.
less heavy

Used to emphasize the decrease in weight directly compared to another object or previous state. It is often used in more formal contexts or specific comparisons.

  • The new model of the phone is less heavy than the previous version.
  • After removing some items from my backpack, it became less heavy.
lightweight

Used to describe something designed to be very light, often in the context of sports equipment, clothing, or technology. It emphasizes the deliberate design for reduced weight.

  • These running shoes are incredibly lightweight, making it easier to run faster.
  • The new tablet is lightweight and perfect for travel.

Examples of usage

  • The new model is lighter than the previous one.
  • To reduce weight, they used lighter materials in the construction.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • The first patent for a device to create a flame was filed in 1823 by Johann Wolfgang Dรถbereiner, known for his work in chemistry.
  • In the early 20th century, the first modern cigarette lighter was introduced, which changed the way people lit cigarettes and other small fires.

Science

  • Lighters work by mixing flammable fuel with air and providing a spark, a basic principle used in many combustion engines.
  • The lighter's flame is a product of the combustion of hydrocarbons, releasing energy in the form of heat and light.

Pop Culture

  • Lighters have been featured in various movies, often symbolizing danger or rebellion, such as in the 'James Bond' series.
  • In popular music, the lighter's flame is sometimes used as a metaphor for passion or hope, as sung in concerts when audiences hold them up.

Safety

  • In many countries, lighters are regulated due to the fire hazards they pose, especially in households with children.
  • There are child-resistant lighters designed to prevent accidental ignitions, showcasing advancements in safety technology.

Origin of 'lighter'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'lighter' originally comes from the Old English word 'leoht,' which means 'not heavy' or 'bright.'
  • The term evolved over centuries to denote not just weight, but also brightness and flame.

The word 'lighter' has a long history with various meanings over time. In Old English, 'lighter' referred to a person who illuminated manuscripts. Later, it evolved to mean something that makes things easier or less heavy. The use of 'lighter' to describe a device for creating fire dates back to the 19th century. Today, 'lighter' is commonly associated with fire starters and objects of lesser weight.


See also: enlighten, highlight, light, lighten, lightened, lightening, lightheaded, lightheadedness, lighthearted, lightheartedly, lightheartedness, lighting, lightly, lightness, lightweight, relight.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,651 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.