Word family noun light lighter lighting lightness adjective light lighted unlit verb light lighten adverb lightly light
From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishlightlight1 /laɪt/ ●●● S1 W1 noun 1 natural/artificial light a) [uncountable]LIGHT the energy from the Sun, a flame, a lamp etc that allows you to see things We saw a flash of light.in/by the light of something Everything looked grey in the dim light of the oil lamp. I read by the light of the fire.in/into the light The man moved forward into the light. b) [countable]LIGHT a particular type of light, with its own particular colour, level of brightness etc The colours look different in different lights.2 lamp/electric light etc [countable] a) LIGHTsomething that produces light, especially electric light, to help you to see Ahead of us we could see the lights of the city. We’re having a mixture of wall lights and ceiling lights in different parts of the house.turn/switch/put on a light I switched on the light in the bedroom.turn/switch/put off a light Don’t forget to switch the lights off when you go out.turn/switch/put out a light Can you turn the light out downstairs?a light is/comes/goes on The lights in the office were still on. The street lights were just beginning to come on. He left a light on in the kitchen.a light is off/out Make sure all the lights are off when you leave. Suddenly all the lights in the house went out. Can you turn the light down (=make it less bright) a bit? → the bright lights at bright(14) b) DTZsomething such as a lamp that you can carry to give you light Shine a light over here, will you?3 traffic control [countable usually plural]TTR one of a set of red, green, and yellow lights used for controlling traffic SYN traffic lights We waited for the lights to change. Eventually the lights turned green. The driver had failed to stop at a red light. → green light4 on a vehicle [countable usually plural]TTC one of the lights on a car, bicycle etc that help you to see at night He was dazzled by the lights of oncoming traffic. You’ve left your lights on. → brake light, headlight, parking light5 → first light6 → be/stand in somebody’s light7 → a light8 in somebody’s eyes [singular] literaryEXPRESSION ON somebody'S FACE an expression in someone’s eyes that shows an emotion or intention SYN gleam There was a murderous light in his eyes.9 → set light to something10 → come to light/be brought to light11 → throw/shed/cast light on something12 → in the light of something13 → in a new/different/bad etc light14 → see the light15 → see the light (of day)16 → light at the end of the tunnel17 → have your name in lights18 → go/be out like a light19 → a leading light in/of something20 → the light of somebody’s life21 window [countable]TBB a window in a roof or wall that allows light into a room → hide your light under a bushel at bushel, red-light district, → be all sweetness and light at sweetness(3), → in the cold light of day at cold1(9)COLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + lightbright/strongThe light was so bright he had to shut his eyes.blinding/dazzling (=extremely bright)The white buildings reflected a blinding light.dim (=not bright)Gradually her eyes became accustomed to the dim light.good (=bright enough)Stand over here where the light is good.poor/bad (=not bright enough)The light was too poor for me to read.soft/warm (=light that seems slightly yellow or orange)the soft light of the candlescold/harsh (=light that seems slightly blue)the cold light of the moonthe morning/dawn lightThe flowers glowed brightly in the morning light.natural light (=light produced by the sun)The only natural light came from two high windows.artificial light (=light produced by lamps)The office was windowless, lit only by artificial light.verbslight shinesThe light from the streetlamp shone through the curtains.light comes from somewhereThe only light came from the fire.light streams/floods in (=a large amount of light comes in)Light streamed in through the window.light falls on/across etc somethingThe light fell on her book.light illuminates something formal (=makes it bright or able to be seen)The light from the screen illuminated the people gathered round it.the light is fading (=it is getting darker as the sun is going down)produce light (also emit light technical)the light produced by the suncast light (=send light onto something)the gold circle of light cast by the lampreflect lightSnow reflects a lot of light.something is bathed in light literary (=something has a lot of light shining on it)The fields and woods were bathed in golden light.phrasesa beam/ray/shaft of light (=a thin line of light)There was a shaft of light from the doorway.a flash of light (=a bright light that appears suddenly for a very short time)A flash of light caught his attention.a pool/circle of light (=an area of light)They stood in the pool of light cast by the streetlamp. THESAURUS – Meaning 2: light something that produces light, especially electric light, to help you to seeShe switched the kitchen light on.The lights in the house were all off.lamp an object that produces light by using electricity, oil, or gas – often used in names of lightsa bedside lampa street lampa desk lampa table lampan old oil lampa paraffin lamplantern a lamp that you can carry, consisting of a metal container with glass sides that surrounds a flame or lightThe miners used lanterns which were lit by candles.torch British English, flashlight American English a small electric lamp that you carry in your handWe shone our torches around the cavern.candle a stick of wax with a string through the middle, which you burn to give lightThe restaurant was lit by candles. bulb the glass part of an electric light, that the light shines froma 100 watt bulban energy-saving light bulbon a carheadlight (also headlamp) one of the two large lights at the front of a vehicleIt was getting dark so she switched the headlights on.sidelight British English, parking light American English one of the two small lights next to the main lights, at the front and back of a cartail light one of the two red lights at the back of a vehicleindicator British English, turn signal American English one of the lights on a car that flash to show which way the car is turning Examples from the Corpus
light• Light was coming into the room through a crack in the door.• a sudden flash of blinding light• The 5-inch model of the starship came complete with blinking lights.• the cold blue light of the Arctic• In the fading light she could just make out the shape of a tractor.• a gas lamp that gives as much light as a 100 watt bulb• The blaze of lights in the evening was part of it, and the singing and shivering the rails made.• The speed of light through our apparatus should vary as the speed of the relative ether current varies.• This can be put in its least intuitively reasonable light if we assume just two firms.• You will be aware that normally, of course, reflected light is of the same color as incident light.• We could see light coming from under the door.• The valley was bathed in the soft light of dawn.• Just then, the street lights come on.• That light's really bright.• She sat reading by the light of the fire.• He switched on the light, opened the door, and went into the dim public space.• He switched the light on and looked at the clock.• The light isn't good enough to take a photograph.• The light was fading, and I was afraid we wouldn't be home before dark.in/by the light of something• Lawton was reading Blake by the light of a spot lamp.• I look at this coldly in the light of right and wrong.• We then analyzed that data in the light of history and like activities, and published the results for all to see.• This no-mans-land of uninvolved contemplation is illuminated by the light of understanding.• The wizard's mouth was open, and his face was brilliantly lit by the light of - what?• Chick was reading the Evening Telegraph by the light of a torch.turn/switch/put on a light• I put my picks away, donned my gloves, and turned on a light.• Eventually she made herself go forward, switching on lights as soon as she could reach them.• I've even known him switch on a light without blowing all the fuses.• Rory did not switch on a light, but strode to the window and jerked back the drapes.• But it was as if some one turned on a light switch in Franklin.• He was afraid to turn on a light in the school.• Sonya did not want to turn on a light.• I was put on light duties. lightlight2 ●●● S1 W1 adjective (comparative lighter, superlative lightest) 1 colourCOLOUR/COLOR a light colour is pale and not dark You look nice in light colours.light blue/green/grey etc She had blue eyes and light brown hair. I wanted a lighter yellow paint for the walls.► see thesaurus at colour2 → it is/gets light3 roomsLIGHT a room that is light has plenty of light in it, especially from the sun OPP dark The kitchen was light and spacious. The office was a big light room at the back of the house.► see thesaurus at bright4 LIGHT/NOT HEAVYnot heavy not very heavy You can carry this bag – it’s fairly light. You should wear light, comfortable shoes. The truck was quite light and easy to drive. She was as light as a feather (=very light) to carry. → lighten, lightweight25 not great if something is light, there is not very much of it or it is not very great OPP heavy Traffic is lighter before 8 a.m. A light rain began to fall. She was wearing only light make-up. people who have suffered only light exposure to radiation6 THIN OBJECT OR MATERIALclothes light clothes are thin and not very warm She took a light sweater in case the evening was cool. a light summer coat7 windWEATHER a light wind is blowing without much force OPP strong Leaves were blowing about in the light wind. There was a light easterly breeze. 8 sound a light sound is very quiet OPP loud There was a light tap at the door. Her voice was light and pleasant.9 touchTOUCH a light touch is gentle and soft She gave him a light kiss on the cheek. He felt a light tap on his shoulder.10 work/exerciseEASY light work is not hard or tiring I found him some light work to do. She only has a few light duties around the house. The doctor has advised me to take regular light exercise.11 food a) DFDFDfood or drink that is light either does not have a strong taste or does not make you feel full very quickly, for example because it does not contain very much fat, sugar, or alcohol OPP rich We had a light white wine with the fish. a light, refreshing dessert a new light cheese spread with virtually no fat b) a light meal is a small meal OPP big I had a light lunch in town. a delicious light snack c) food that is light contains a lot of air a type of light, sweet bread Beat the mixture until it is light and fluffy.12 punishmentPUNISH a light punishment is not very severe OPP harsh a fairly light sentence 13 → a light smoker/drinker/eater etc14 → light sleep/doze15 → a light sleeper16 JOKING/NOT SERIOUSnot serious not serious in meaning, style, or manner, and only intended to entertain people His speech gradually became lighter in tone. an evening of light music It’s a really good book if you want a bit of light reading. The show looks at some of the lighter moments from the world of politics.17 → light relief18 → make light of something19 → on a lighter note/in a lighter vein20 → make light work of something21 → be light on your feet22 → a light heart23 soilTAS light soil is easy to break into small pieces OPP heavy Carrots grow well in light soils. —lightness noun [uncountable] a lightness of touchExamples from the Corpus
light• They both have brown hair, but Tina's is slightly lighter.• Anyway, say packagers, their wrappings have become lighter.• All light aircraft maintenance workshops would most certainly have one for synchronizing and timing port and starboard magnetos on piston engines.• The kitchen is light and airy, with a fantastic view.• The hallway led to a light and spacious studio.• The studio was light and spacious.• She was light as a feather to carry, and her hands were cold as ice.• a light blue shirt• a light breeze• She has light brown hair.• a light dessert• The lighter electro-mechanical version had 60 movements, 30 of them in the head, and was also cable-controlled.• Now it was light enough to leave.• The sentence was surprisingly light for such a serious offence.• He opened the window and a light fresh breeze clutched at the curtains.• This is a nice jacket and we also do it in a light green.• She prepared a light lunch of salad and cheese.• M., the two cars sped along the autostrada toward Brescia in a light mist.• Some ministers are suggesting that there should be much lighter penalties for first-time offenders.• Jones received only a light punishment.• He was making sure they were not exposed to any form of light source, however muted.• Heat rises because hot air is lighter than cold air.• Modern tennis rackets are much lighter than old-fashioned wooden ones.• The traffic's much lighter than usual.• The best rocket exhaust is a very light, very hot gas.• a light white wine• I try to have a light workout every day.• light yogurtlight blue/green/grey etc• Submersed forms are usually disc-shaped, light green, and attached to the ground or in tangles of underwater plants.• The leaves are lanceolate with triangular petioles and light green blades with darker veins.• Colours are subdued, with dark and light blue, brown, and pink predominating.• BDe Mori is a handsome man with light blue eyes and a high, aristocratic forehead.• Kirilenko had light blue eyes, silvery stubble, the beginning of a sag to his lower jaw.• Submersed plants usually have four or five well developed light green leaves.• She had pinned a bunch of violets on her bonnet and put new, light grey ribbons on it.• The old light blue trousers with white leg stripes could be worn with both the four-pocket blue blouse and the khaki version.as light as a feather• You're as light as a feather.• She had been as light as a feather to carry and her small hands were as cold as ice. light reading• He appears to enjoy light reading.• They were very glad to borrow the few Penguin books we brought along with us, even though they are not particularly light reading.• I heave an armchair into the kitchen, lay out some light reading, and prepare a flask of coffee.• The cameraman is taking light readings and setting his lenses.• For light reading, I borrow from the hotel library.• I picked up a romance novel for some light reading on the flight.• Not that it could be described as light reading; there is a lot of heavily theoretical material within its pages.lightlight3 ●●● S2 W3 verb (past tense and past participle lit or lighted) 1 [intransitive, transitive]BURN to start to burn, or to make something start to burn He stopped to light a cigarette. I lit the fire and poured a drink. I couldn’t get the candles to light.2 [transitive]LIGHT to provide light for a placebe lit by/with something The room was lit by one large, central light. The porch is always well lit at night. The kitchen was warm and brightly lit. a poorly lit car parkGrammar Light is usually passive in this meaning.3 → light the/somebody’s way → light on/upon something → light out → light up→ See Verb tableExamples from the Corpus
light• The fire won't light.• The old man lit a cigarette and took a puff.• Ricky sat down and lit a cigarette.• We searched around for twigs and fallen branches, so we could light a fire.• The room was lit by dozens of candles.• The corridor inside was a grey conduit for numerous pipes and fittings, lit by plain white bulbs.• Osborn's Christmas display is lighted by some 30,000 colored bulbs.• I leaned forward to light her cigarette.• The old man struck a match and lit his pipe.• They could light no fire, and Ratagan prophesied gloomily that their camp that night would be cheerless.• She waved for them to start and felt her face flush as she sat down and lit the candle.• From the other, funnels of smoke poured with flames licking behind them, lighting the dark smoke garishly.• What are you going to use to light the stage?• The airline clearly agrees and is resolved to defend the freedom to light up.well lit• At Brooks Brothers in Westfarms, the rooms are handsomely appointed, well lit and very private.• It isn't as well lit as a studio perhaps should be, but I rather like that.• The scene is powerful stuff, well organised and well lit by Serban.• Inside, the building is well lit by the ring of windows in the later, central, octagonal lantern.• The cryptocorynes grow in well lit or only slightly shaded areas up to 50 meters above sea level.• You should have your face well lit so that your mouth is not in shadow.• Growth is inhibited in the winter, but hibernation takes place even in well lit tanks.• The boats in the marina bobbed, well lit, white light dappling the dark waters.From Longman Business Dictionarylightlight1 /laɪt/ adjective1MANUFACTURING light equipment, materials, machines etc are easily moved and used for fairly small tasksthelight aircraft company, CessnaThe empty space will be converted for light industrial use.2FINANCE when buying and selling of shares etc is light, very little business is being done on a financial marketStocks fell for an eighth day in light trading.3light touch if someone in authority uses a light touch, they trust the people or organizations they are in charge of and often let them make their own decisionsHe ruled his staff with a light touch.lightlight2 noun1in a good/bad/positive etc light if you see something in a particular light, you think about it in a particular wayAs long as the customer perceives the price and the product in a positive light, the extra price will be viable.As rates rise in the money markets, equities may be seen in a less favourable light.2in the light of British English in light of American English if something is decided in the light of something else, it is decided after taking that thing into considerationCompanies need to be satisfied that the contract is suitable in the light of their circumstances and financial position.3give something the green light to approve a project, plan etc so that it can beginThe removal of investment controls gave the green light to financial institutions to invest in property.Origin light1 Old English leoht light2 Old English leoht light3 Old English lihtan