lightness
1 Americannoun
-
the state or quality of being light in weight.
the amazing lightness of the new metal.
-
the quality of being agile, nimble, or graceful.
- Synonyms:
- sprightliness, nimbleness, grace, agility
-
lack of pressure or burdensomeness.
-
lack of seriousness; levity in actions, thoughts, or speech.
That kind of lightness seemed out of place.
-
gaiety of manner, speech, style, etc.; cheerfulness.
His lightness was just what the party needed.
noun
Etymology
Origin of lightness1
1175–1225; Middle English. See light 2, -ness
Origin of lightness2
before 1050; Middle English; Old English līhtness. See light 1, -ness
Vocabulary lists containing lightness
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While Armani already used these luminous touches in his eveningwear, Silvana Armani has multiplied them to emphasise the fluidity and lightness of her silhouettes.
From Barron's ● Sep. 27, 2026
White wine fans tend to fall into three camps—Chardonnay drinkers who like rich, full-bodied whites, Sauvignon Blanc sippers who favor acidity and herbaceousness, and Pinot Grigio pounders who prioritize lightness and drinkability.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 21, 2026
Earl Spencer has said he felt there was a "lightness" in the tone of the then-Prince Charles during a phone call following the death of his sister, Diana, Princess of Wales.
From BBC ● Sep. 20, 2026
The reason, hopefully, that “Elsinore” is moving is that we approach some of the stuff with quite a bit of lightness.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 5, 2026
“Well,” Ube said, his face reverting to its usual lightness, “if it’s knowledge y’all want, then you came to the right place.”
From "Pet" by Akwaeke Emezi
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
