brightness

[brahyt-nis]

noun

1. the quality of being bright.

2. Optics.,  the luminance of a body, apart from its hue or saturation, that an observer uses to determine the comparative luminance of another body. Pure white has the maximum brightness, and pure black the minimum brightness.

ˈbrightness

/ ˈbraɪtnɪs /

noun

1. the condition of being bright

2. physics a former name for luminosity

3. psychol the experienced intensity of light

Word History and Origins

Origin of brightness¹

before 950; Middle English brihtnes, Old English beorhtnes. See bright, -ness

Example Sentences

Tangy: Tang adds brightness, bite and lift — the note that cuts through cheese, sauce and fried starch.

From Salon

Then, a splash of acid, like a squeeze of lemon or a finger’s flick of vinegar to carve a little brightness into the shadows.

From Salon

Some brightness is possible downwind of high ground.

From BBC

"It is around a star that is Sun-like and about the same temperature and brightness. That's really important if we want to think about habitable worlds," she added.

From BBC

Either way, this crema is the dip’s whisper of brightness and creaminess all at once.

From Salon

Related Words

• brilliance 
• illumination 
• luster