Lightness: meaning, definitions and examples

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lightness

[ˈlaɪtnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

of weight

The quality of being light in weight.

Synonyms

buoyancy, featheriness, weightlessness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lightness	Used when describing something that has little weight or is easy to lift or move. It can describe physical qualities or metaphorical ones, such as lightness in mood or spirit. The lightness of the balloon made it drift gently in the breeze. There was a lightness in her step that day, as if all her worries had vanished.
weightlessness	Describes the condition of having no weight, often used in scientific contexts such as space exploration or physics. It can also describe a feeling of floating or freedom from burdens. Astronauts experience weightlessness while orbiting the Earth. He felt a sense of weightlessness after finally completing his exams.
buoyancy	Typically used in the context of floating or the ability to float in water. It can also describe a cheerful and optimistic personality. The buoyancy of the life jacket kept him afloat in the water. Despite the challenges, his natural buoyancy helped him remain positive.
featheriness	Used to describe something that is as light as or resembling a feather in terms of weight or texture. It's often used in a more poetic or descriptive manner. The featheriness of the pillow made it incredibly comfortable to sleep on. Her touch had a featheriness to it, so gentle and soft.

Examples of usage

Its lightness makes it easy to carry around.
The lightness of the material is ideal for summer clothing.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

of color

The quality of having a high luminance or brightness.

Synonyms

brightness, luminance, whiteness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lightness	Used to describe how light or not heavy something is, or in graphic design and art to refer to the quality of being less dark. The lightness of the fabric made it perfect for summer clothing
brightness	Describes how much light something emits or reflects, often used in daily conversations and technical contexts related to screens or lights. She adjusted the brightness on her phone because it was too dim
luminance	Used in technical and scientific contexts, particularly in physics and engineering, referring to the measure of the amount of light that passes through or is emitted from a particular area. The luminance levels of the display were adjusted for better visibility
whiteness	Describes the quality or state of being white, often used in discussions about color, light, and also in sociocultural contexts to discuss racial characteristics. The whiteness of the snow was blinding under the bright sun

Examples of usage

The lightness of the room was enhanced by the white walls.
The lightness of her hair added to her overall beauty.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

of mood

A feeling of joy, cheerfulness, or optimism.

Synonyms

cheerfulness, joy, optimism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lightness	Use this word when referring to something that is physically light in weight or when describing a situation or mood that feels easy and carefree. The lightness of the feather amazed her. There was a lightness in his step after he received good news.
cheerfulness	This word is best used when describing a consistently happy and positive attitude. Her cheerfulness brightened everyone's day. Despite the challenges, he managed to maintain his cheerfulness.
optimism	This word is suitable when describing a general attitude of expecting positive outcomes and looking on the bright side. Her optimism helped her overcome many obstacles. Despite the difficulties, his optimism never wavered.
joy	'Joy' refers to a deep and intense feeling of happiness, often used in moments of great delight or celebration. The birth of her child filled her with joy. He felt a surge of joy when he heard the good news.

Examples of usage

Her lightness of spirit was contagious.
The lightness of the atmosphere lifted everyone's mood.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Old English 'leoht', which means not heavy or bright.
The concept of being light has been in language since before the 12th century, showing its importance in describing both physical and emotional states.

Philosophy

In philosophy, lightness can symbolize a carefree existence, reflecting the notion of living without burdens.
Famous philosopher Milan Kundera described lightness as a central theme in his book 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being', exploring choices and responsibilities.

Psychology

In psychology, lightness is often associated with positive emotions, like joy and freedom, indicating a lack of stress.
The feeling of lightness can also influence creativity, allowing people to think more freely when they feel unburdened.

Art

Artists often use lightness in their work to convey emotions or themes, such as freedom or joy, through the use of color and movement.
In dance, lightness is expressed through graceful movements that evoke feelings of weightlessness.

Science

In physics, lightness relates to mass and gravitational force, with lighter objects falling slower than heavier ones in a vacuum.
Lightness in terms of light can refer to wavelengths; shorter wavelengths create what we perceive as brightness.

Translations

Translations of the word "lightness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 leveza

🇮🇳 हल्कापन

🇩🇪 Leichtigkeit

🇮🇩 ringan

🇺🇦 легкість

🇵🇱 lekkość

🇯🇵 軽さ (かるさ)

🇫🇷 légèreté

🇪🇸 ligereza

🇹🇷 hafiflik

🇰🇷 가벼움 (gabyeoum)

🇸🇦 خفة

🇨🇿 lehkost

🇸🇰 ľahkosť

🇨🇳 轻盈 (qīngyíng)

🇸🇮 lahkotnost

🇮🇸 léttleiki

🇰🇿 жеңілдік

🇬🇪 სიმსუბუქე

🇦🇿 yüngüllük

🇲🇽 ligereza

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,203, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
15200 amperes
15201 dishonesty
15202 clasp
15203 lightness
15204 sultan
15205 treble
15206 conscientiously
...