lucidity

Sometimes lucid·ness

[loo-sid-i-tee]

noun

1. the quality of being easily understood, completely intelligible, or comprehensible.

   She makes her argument with pointed logic and exemplary lucidity.

2. the ability to see things clearly; rationality; sanity.

   In a rare moment of lucidity, the senator sided with his political enemies for the good of the country.

Other Word Forms

• nonlucidity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of lucidity¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin lūciditās, equivalent to lūcid(us) lucid ( def. ) + -i- ( def. ) + -tās -ty ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

My piece outlined the evidence for terminal lucidity among people with advanced dementia.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

When there is desperation to commune with a loved one, any glimmer of responsiveness can be interpreted as lucidity, exaggerated with each recall and retelling.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Terminal lucidity can last from a few minutes to a few hours.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

By expressing disapproval in concrete ways, helpful protests can likely sear ethical lucidity into each of us more effectively and more often.

Read more on Salon

Zane phased in and out of delirium as they continued their descent, and the two stopped periodically to take a rest while Zane attempted to regain lucidity, Wach told the Independent.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• clarity