lightness

¹

[lahyt-nis]

noun

1. the state or quality of being light lights or illuminated.

2. thin or pale coloration.

3. the relative degree to which an object reflects light, lights, especially light lights of complementary or nearly complementary colors.

lightness

²

[lahyt-nis]

noun

1. the state or quality of being light lights in weight.

   the amazing lightness of the new metal.

2. the quality of being agile, nimble, or graceful.

   Synonyms: sprightliness, nimbleness, grace, agility

3. lack of pressure or burdensomeness.

4. lack of seriousness; levity in actions, thoughts, or speech.

   That kind of lightness seemed out of place.

5. gaiety of manner, speech, style, etc.; cheerfulness.

   His lightness was just what the party needed.

lightness

/ ˈlaɪtnɪs /

noun

1. the attribute of an object or colour that enables an observer to judge the extent to which the object or colour reflects or transmits incident light See also colour

Word History and Origins

Origin of lightness¹

before 1050; Middle English; Old English līhtness. See light ¹, -ness

Origin of lightness²

1175–1225; Middle English. See light ², -ness

Example Sentences

With unforced lightness, she assures Farsi that they will continue to live their lives and laugh, that they are “special people.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But Roberts also looked brilliant, as his pratfall injected some necessary lightness into the darkening team mood.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

They brought a little lightness into her world, and she hoped to bring a little lightness into theirs.

Read more on Literature

Perhaps as a rebellion against her partner’s darkness and decadence, Birkin developed a personal style that exuded lightness, naturalness and relatable elegance.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"While it is Krasznahorkai's weighty, rolling syntax that has perhaps become his signature as an author, his style also allows for a lightness of touch and a great lyrical beauty," Academy member Steve Sem-Sandberg said.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• brightness 
• sparkle