lightness

¹ American  

[lahyt-nis] / ˈlaɪt nɪs /

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.

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lightness ² American  

[lahyt-nis] / ˈlaɪt nɪs /

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.

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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 lightness¹

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

Example Sentences

His genial, carefree attitude—“I’m not dead,” he insists, though context suggests otherwise—is meant to provide some lightness to contrast with Scarlet’s frenzied dedication, but neither character is especially compelling.

From The Wall Street Journal

The interiority of the theme is difficult to render visually, but “La Grazia” is principally a story of Mariano’s quest for lightness.

From The Wall Street Journal

“There was a lo-fi quality about it. It had something candid that didn’t necessarily have an infantile tone but had a lightness. And we could add lyrics to that music.”

From Los Angeles Times

With unforced lightness, she assures Farsi that they will continue to live their lives and laugh, that they are “special people.”

From Los Angeles Times

But Roberts also looked brilliant, as his pratfall injected some necessary lightness into the darkening team mood.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• brightness
• sparkle