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

A team led by Los Alamos scientist Roxana Bujack used geometry to build a mathematical definition of color perception based on hue, saturation, and lightness.

From Science Daily • Jun. 7, 2026

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

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2026

Filmed in various locations around Scotland, including the Stirlingshire village of Gartmore, it's described by Brian Cox as "a love letter" to Scotland, and some much needed lightness in troubled times.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Alexander’s production of “Sweeney Todd” has breadth and heft, but also intimacy and lightness.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026

This was why I’d come here, for this feeling, this lightness.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Related Words

• brightness
• sparkle