Word
levin
Phoneticslevin
US/ˈɫɛvɪn/
UK/lˈɛvɪn/
Definitions
01lightning
n. a flash of lightning or a very bright light.
n. a flash of lightning or a sudden, intense discharge of light. Primarily encountered in Middle English texts or 19th-century romantic poetry.
“The dark sky was suddenly split by a flash of levin.”
“The poet described how the jagged levin tore through the midnight clouds, illuminating the jagged peaks for a fleeting second.”
Archaic · Literary
Usage
Usually functions as an uncountable noun in poetic descriptions of storms.
Teaching tip
This word is not used in modern speech or standard writing; learners will only see it in historical literature or fantasy novels.
Antonyms
02to strike like lightning
v. to strike or flash like lightning.
v. to strike or flash in the manner of lightning. Intransitive use found almost exclusively in archaic verse.
“The storm clouds began to levin across the valley.”
“As the heavens began to levin and thunder, the ancient mariner sought shelter beneath the overhanging cliffs.”
Archaic · Literary
Usage
An intransitive verb that does not take a direct object.
Teaching tip
Extremely rare even in literary contexts; 'to flash' or 'to strike' are the modern equivalents.
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/levin