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.
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
Haider Ackermann’s spring/summer 2026 collection for Snow Goose by Canada Goose captures the lightness of spring in both design and feeling.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 15, 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
Her lightness prolongs both our suffering but it is my safety since he has great speed that he has never yet employed.
From "The Old Man and The Sea" by Ernest Hemingway
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.
