English Reference

Word

light

Phoneticslight

US/ˈɫaɪt/

UK/lˈaɪt/

Irregular verb

Forms

Infinitive

light

Past

lit / lighted

Past participle

lit / lighted

Definitions

01what lets you see

A1 · Beginner Uncountable noun Physics

n. the energy from the sun or a lamp that allows you to see things.

n. visible electromagnetic radiation that enables sight and makes objects visible.

“The bright morning light came through the window and woke me up.”

“The photographer waited for the golden hour, when the natural light is soft enough to avoid harsh shadows on the subject's face.”

Antonyms

02a lamp

A1 · Beginner Countable noun

n. a device like a lamp that you turn on to make a room bright.

n. a specific source of illumination, typically an electric lamp or fixture.

“Please turn off the lights when you leave the room to save energy.”

“The stage was equipped with automated lights that changed colour in sync with the rhythm of the music.”

03a flame for fire

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Informal

n. something used to start a fire, like a match or a lighter.

n. a source of fire or ignition, such as a match, lighter, or flame.

“Excuse me, do you have a light for my candle?”

“He fumbled in his pockets for a light, eventually producing a small silver lighter that had been a family heirloom.”

04a perspective

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a way of looking at or thinking about something.

n. a particular perspective or aspect from which a concept or situation is regarded.

“The new evidence puts the whole problem in a different light.”

“After hearing his side of the story, I began to see his previous actions in a much more sympathetic light.”

05to ignite

A2 · Elementary

v. to start something burning, like a fire or a cigarette.

v. to ignite or set fire to something; to cause to begin burning.

“It was cold in the cabin, so we decided to light a fire.”

“The villagers gathered at the summit to light the ceremonial beacon, signaling the start of the festival to the valley below.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

06to illuminate

B1 · Intermediate

v. to give light to a place so that people can see.

v. to provide with light or to illuminate a space or object.

“The street was lit by old-fashioned lamps that gave off a yellow glow.”

“Huge floodlights were used to light the stadium, ensuring the cameras could capture every detail of the night match.”

Antonyms

darken

07not heavy

A1 · Beginner

adj. having very little weight; easy to lift or carry.

adj. of low weight; not heavy in relation to size or expected mass.

“This suitcase is very light, so you can carry it easily.”

“The aircraft was constructed from light composite materials to improve fuel efficiency and overall range.”

Antonyms

08pale colour

A1 · Beginner

adj. a colour that is pale or close to white; not dark.

adj. having a pale or whitish hue; low in saturation or dark pigment.

“She chose a light blue paint for the bathroom walls.”

“The artist used light tones to create a sense of airy space in the small landscape painting.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

09low intensity

A2 · Elementary

adj. not strong or serious; gentle.

adj. of little force, intensity, or severity.

“There was a light rain falling, so we didn't need umbrellas.”

“The doctor recommended light exercise, such as walking, while the patient was recovering from the surgery.”

Synonyms

10dietary

B1 · Intermediate Cooking

adj. food or drink that has less fat, sugar, or alcohol than usual.

adj. containing less of a specific ingredient (such as fat, calories, or alcohol) than the standard version.

“I usually buy light mayonnaise because it has fewer calories.”

“The brewery released a light beer specifically targeted at consumers looking for a lower-alcohol alternative.”

Synonyms

low-fatdietlite

Antonyms

richfull-fat

11not deep sleep

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. describing a sleep that is easily disturbed.

adj. referring to a state of sleep that is easily interrupted by external stimuli.

“I am a light sleeper, so I wake up if a door closes downstairs.”

“During the first stage of the sleep cycle, most people remain light sleepers and can be startled awake by minor noises.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

12with little luggage

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adv. travelling with very few bags or belongings.

adv. travelling with a minimum amount of equipment or luggage.

“We decided to travel light and only took one small backpack each.”

“Experienced hikers advise you to travel light to avoid unnecessary strain on your back during long ascents.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “light” in context.

01. natural light

Pitfall

A light hit the tree during the storm.

Lightning hit the tree during the storm.

Learners may confuse 'light' (general brightness) with 'lightning', the specific electrical discharge during a thunderstorm.

Word family

Related words

Idioms

Domains

CookingMilitaryNauticalPhysics

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Very common
Level
A1 · BeginnerOxford
Updated

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