lightness

¹ American  

[lahyt-nis] / ˈlaɪt nɪs /

noun

1. the state or quality of being light 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.

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lightness ² American  

[lahyt-nis] / ˈlaɪt nɪs /

noun

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

2. thin or pale coloration.

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

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lightness British  

/ 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

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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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lightness

But why, when lightness is such an empowering virtue, would anyone tempt fate in motorized dreadnoughts like the GT S?

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 18, 2026

At Yerord Mas, a second-generation son of the city takes the cooking of his people and turns it into something personal, deeply researched, modern in lightness and inspiringly delicious.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 13, 2026

“The lightness was forced, and the joy was a lie,” she tells him.

From Salon ● Apr. 17, 2026

"The series is a lovely blend of lightness and comedy, with some genuinely moving and poignant moments".

From BBC ● Mar. 12, 2026

I say to Cordelia, trying for lightness, and a change of subject.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood

Related Words

• brightness
• sparkle