light

¹ American

[lahyt] / laɪt /

noun

something that makes things visible or affords illumination.

All colors depend on light.
Physics.
1. Also called radiant energy, luminous energy. electromagnetic radiation to which the organs of sight react, ranging in wavelength from about 400 to 700 nanometers and propagated at a speed of 186,282 miles per second (299,972 kilometers per second), considered variously as a wave, a stream of particles, or a quantum phenomenon.
2. a similar form of radiant energy that does not affect the retina, as ultraviolet or infrared rays.
the sensation produced by stimulation of the organs of sight.
an illuminating agent or source, as the sun, a lamp, or a beacon.
the radiance or illumination from a particular source.

the light of a candle.
the illumination from the sun; daylight.

We awoke at the first light.
daybreak or dawn.

when light appeared in the east.
daytime.

Summer has more hours of light.
a particular light or illumination in which an object seen takes on a certain appearance.

viewing the portrait in dim light.
a device for or means of igniting, as a spark, flame, or match.

Could you give me a light?
a traffic light.

Don't cross till the light changes.
the aspect in which a thing appears or is regarded.

Try to look at the situation in a more cheerful light.
the state of being visible, exposed to view, or revealed to public notice or knowledge; limelight.

Stardom has placed her in the light.
a person who is an outstanding leader, celebrity, or example; luminary.

He became one of the leading lights of Restoration drama.
Art.
1. the effect of light falling on an object or scene as represented in a picture.
2. one of the brightest parts of a picture.
a gleam or sparkle, as in the eyes.
a measure or supply of light; illumination.

The wall cuts off our light.
spiritual illumination or awareness; enlightenment.
Architecture.
1. Also called day. one compartment of a window or window sash.
2. a window, especially a small one.
mental insight; understanding.
lights, the information, ideas, or mental capacities possessed.

to act according to one's lights.
a lighthouse.
Archaic. the eyesight.

adjective

having light or illumination; bright; well-lighted.

the lightest room in the entire house.
pale, whitish, or not deep or dark in color.

a light blue.
(of coffee or tea) containing enough milk or cream to produce a light color.

verb (used with object)

lighted, lit, lighting

to set burning, as a candle, lamp, fire, match, or cigarette; kindle; ignite.
to turn or switch on (an electric light).

One flick of the master switch lights all the lamps in the room.
to give light to; furnish with light or illumination.

The room is lighted by two large chandeliers.
to make (an area or object) bright with or as if with light (often followed byup ).

Hundreds of candles lighted up the ballroom.
to cause (the face, surroundings, etc.) to brighten, especially with joy, animation, or the like (often followed byup ).

A smile lit up her face. Her presence lighted up the room.
to guide or conduct with a light.

a candle to light you to bed.

verb (used without object)

lighted, lit, lighting

to take fire or become kindled.

The damp wood refused to light.
to ignite a cigar, cigarette, or pipe for purposes of smoking (usually followed byup ).

He took out a pipe and lighted up before speaking.
to become illuminated when switched on.

This table lamp won't light.
to become bright, as with light or color (often followed byup ).

The sky lights up at sunset.
to brighten with animation or joy, as the face or eyes (often followed byup ).

idioms

hide one's light under a bushel, to conceal or suppress one's talents or successes.
in a good / bad light, under favorable (or unfavorable) circumstances.

She worshiped him, but then she'd only seen him in a good light.
see the light,
1. to come into existence or being.
2. to be made public.
3. to begin to accept or understand a point of view one formerly opposed.
  
  Her father was opposed to her attending an out-of-town college, but he finally saw the light.
bring to light, to discover or reveal.

The excavations brought to light the remnants of an ancient civilization.
in (the) light of, taking into account; because of; considering.

It was necessary to review the decision in the light of recent developments.
come to light, to be discovered or revealed.

Some previously undiscovered letters have lately come to light.
light at the end of the tunnel, a prospect of success, relief, or redemption.

We haven't solved the problem yet, but we're beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.
shed / throw light on, to clarify; clear up.

His deathbed confession threw light on a mystery of long standing.

light ² American

[lahyt] / laɪt /

adjective

of little weight; not heavy.

a light load.

Antonyms:

heavy
of little weight in proportion to bulk; of low specific gravity.

a light metal.
of less than the usual or average weight.

light clothing.
weighing less than the proper or standard amount.

to be caught using light weights in trade.
of small amount, force, intensity, etc.: a light rain;

light trading on the stock market;
a light rain;
light sleep.
using or applying little or slight pressure or force.

The child petted the puppy with light, gentle strokes.
not distinct; faint.

The writing on the page had become light and hard to read.

Synonyms:

faded, indistinct
easy to endure, deal with, or perform; not difficult or burdensome.

light duties.
not very profound or serious; amusing or entertaining.

light reading.
of little importance or consequence; trivial.

The loss of his job was no light matter.

Synonyms:

inconsiderable, trifling
easily digested.

light food.
low in any substance, as sugar, starch, or tars, that is considered harmful or undesirable.

light cigarettes.
(of alcoholic beverages)
1. not heavy or strong.
  
  a light apéritif.
2. (especially of beer and wine) having fewer calories and usually a lower alcohol content than the standard product.
spongy or well-leavened, as cake.
(of soil) containing much sand; porous or crumbly.
slender or delicate in form or appearance.

a light, graceful figure.
airy or buoyant in movement.

When she dances, she's as light as a feather.
nimble or agile.

light on one's feet.
free from trouble, sorrow, or worry; carefree.

a light heart.

Synonyms:

happy, cheery
cheerful; merry.

a light laugh.
characterized by lack of proper seriousness; frivolous.

light conduct.

Synonyms:

flighty
sexually promiscuous; loose.
easily swayed; changeable: volatile.

a heart light of love;
His is a life of a man light of purpose.
slightly delirious; dizzy.

I get light on one martini.
Military. lightly armed or equipped.

light cavalry.
having little or no cargo, encumbrance, or the like; not burdened.

a light freighter drawing little water.
adapted by small weight or slight build for small loads or swift movement.

The grocer bought a light truck for deliveries.
using small-scale machinery primarily for the production of consumer goods.

light industry.
Nautical. noting any sail of light canvas set only in moderate or calm weather, as a royal, skysail, studdingsail, gaff topsail, or spinnaker.
Meteorology. (of wind) having a speed up to 7 miles per hour (3 meters per second).
Phonetics. (of l- sounds) resembling a front vowel in quality; clear.

French l is lighter than English l.
Prosody. (of a syllable)
1. unstressed.
2. short.
Poker. being in debt to the pot.

He's a dollar light.

adverb

lighter, lightest

with few or no suitcases; lightly.

to travel light.
with no load or cargo hauled or carried.

a locomotive running light to its roundhouse.

noun

a light product, as a beer or cigarette.

idioms

make light of, to treat as unimportant or trivial.

They made light of our hard-won victory.

light ³ American

[lahyt] / laɪt /

verb (used without object)

lighted, lit, lighting

to get down or descend, as from a horse or a vehicle.

As she lighted, the journalists began shouting questions at her.
to come to rest, as on a spot or thing; fall or settle upon; land.

The bird lighted on the branch. My eye lighted on some friends in the crowd.
to come by chance; happen; hit (usually followed by on orupon ).

to light on a clue; to light on an ideal picnic spot.
to fall, as a stroke, weapon, vengeance, or choice, on a place or person.

The choice lighted upon our candidate.

verb phrase

light into to make a vigorous physical or verbal attack on.

He would light into anyone with the slightest provocation.
light out to leave quickly; depart hurriedly.

He lit out of here as fast as his legs would carry him.

Light ¹ British

/ laɪt /