light

(physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation

• “the light was filtered through a soft glass window”

any device serving as a source of illumination

• “he stopped the car and turned off the lights”

a particular perspective or aspect of a situation

• “although he saw it in a different light, he still did not understand”

the quality of being luminous; emitting or reflecting light

• “its luminosity is measured relative to that of our sun”

an illuminated area

• “he stepped into the light”

a condition of spiritual awareness; divine illumination

• “follow God”

the visual effect of illumination on objects or scenes as created in pictures

• “he could paint the lightest light and the darkest dark”

a person regarded very fondly

• “the light of my life”

mental understanding as an enlightening experience

• “he finally saw the light”
• “can you shed light on this problem?”

having abundant light or illumination

• “they played as long as it was light”
• “as long as the lighting was good”

public awareness

• “it brought the scandal to light”

brightness and animation of countenance

• “he had a sparkle in his eye”

a divine presence believed by Quakers to enlighten and guide the soul

a visual warning signal

• “they saw the light of the beacon”
• “there was a light at every corner”

a device for lighting or igniting fuel or charges or fires

• “do you have a light?”

of comparatively little physical weight or density

• “a light load”
• “magnesium is a light metal--having a specific gravity of 1.74 at 20 degrees C”

(used of color) having a relatively small amount of coloring agent

• “light blue”
• “light colors such as pastels”
• “a light-colored powder”

of the military or industry; using (or being) relatively small or light arms or equipment

• “light infantry”
• “light cavalry”
• “light industry”
• “light weapons”

not great in degree or quantity or number

• “a light sentence”
• “a light accent”
• “casualties were light”
• “light snow was falling”
• “light misty rain”
• “light smoke from the chimney”

psychologically light; especially free from sadness or troubles

• “a light heart”

characterized by or emitting light

• “a room that is light when the shutters are open”
• “the inside of the house was airy and light”

used of vowels or syllables; pronounced with little or no stress

• “a syllable that ends in a short vowel is a light syllable”
• “a weak stress on the second syllable”

easily assimilated in the alimentary canal; not rich or heavily seasoned

• “a light diet”

(used of soil) loose and large-grained in consistency

• “light sandy soil”

(of sound or color) free from anything that dulls or dims

• “efforts to obtain a clean bass in orchestral recordings”
• “clear laughter like a waterfall”
• “clear reds and blues”
• “a light lilting voice like a silver bell”

moving easily and quickly; nimble

• “the dancer was light and graceful”
• “a lightsome buoyant step”
• “walked with a light tripping step”

demanding little effort; not burdensome

• “light housework”
• “light exercise”

of little intensity or power or force

• “the light touch of her fingers”
• “a light breeze”

(physics, chemistry) not having atomic weight greater than average

• “light water is ordinary water”

weak and likely to lose consciousness

• “suddenly felt faint from the pain”
• “was sick and faint from hunger”
• “felt light in the head”
• “a swooning fit”
• “light-headed with wine”
• “light-headed from lack of sleep”

very thin and insubstantial

• “thin paper”
• “flimsy voile”
• “light summer dresses”

marked by temperance in indulgence

• “abstemious with the use of adverbs”
• “a light eater”
• “a light smoker”
• “ate a light supper”

less than the correct or legal or full amount often deliberately so

• “a light pound”
• “a scant cup of sugar”
• “regularly gives short weight”

having little importance

• “losing his job was no light matter”

intended primarily as entertainment; not serious or profound

• “light verse”
• “a light comedy”

silly or trivial

• “idle pleasure”
• “light banter”
• “light idle chatter”

having a spongy or flaky texture; well-leavened

• “light pastries”

designed for ease of movement or to carry little weight

• “light aircraft”
• “a light truck”

having relatively few calories

• “diet cola”
• “light (or lite) beer”
• “lite (or light) mayonnaise”
• “a low-cal diet”

(of sleep) easily disturbed

• “in a light doze”
• “a light sleeper”
• “a restless wakeful night”

casual and unrestrained in sexual behavior

• “her easy virtue”
• “he was told to avoid loose (or light) women”
• “wanton behavior”

make lighter or brighter

• “This lamp lightens the room a bit”

begin to smoke

• “After the meal, some of the diners lit up”

to come to rest, settle

• “Misfortune lighted upon him”

cause to start burning; subject to fire or great heat

• “Great heat can ignite almost any dry matter”
• “Light a cigarette”

fall to somebody by assignment or lot

• “The task fell to me”
• “It fell to me to notify the parents of the victims”

get off (a horse)

with few burdens

• “experienced travellers travel light”