lucidity

Sometimes lucid·ness

[loo-sid-i-tee]

noun

1. the quality of being easily understood, completely intelligible, or comprehensible.

   She makes her argument with pointed logic and exemplary lucidity.

2. the ability to see things clearly; rationality; sanity.

   In a rare moment of lucidity, the senator sided with his political enemies for the good of the country.

Other Word Forms

• nonlucidity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of lucidity¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin lūciditās, equivalent to lūcid(us) lucid ( def. ) + -i- ( def. ) + -tās -ty ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Jefferson’s Declaration established with “theological lucidity” that any person who shares its creed can be or become an American.

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It requires no external verification, whether through causal connection to the body or brain’s physical structures or through fleeting experiences of terminal lucidity.

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My piece outlined the evidence for terminal lucidity among people with advanced dementia.

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When there is desperation to commune with a loved one, any glimmer of responsiveness can be interpreted as lucidity, exaggerated with each recall and retelling.

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Terminal lucidity can last from a few minutes to a few hours.

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Related Words

• clarity