lightness

¹

[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

²

[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

/ 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

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

Origin of lightness²

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

Example Sentences

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

Maeve is a canvas Jones fills with the bleak resignation of a young woman forced into adult responsibilities too quickly, but she lifts those colors with the lightness of understanding.

Read more on Salon

She described him as "a war hero, our hero, and the family patriarch who wore his position with a gentleness and lightness of touch, unwavering positivity and a resolve to carry on".

Read more on BBC

There was a lightness to this episode’s events that the show hasn’t seen since it premiered.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• brightness 
• sparkle