light
- 01 A1 Beginner
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.
Simple“The bright morning light came through the window and woke me up.”
In context“The photographer waited for the golden hour, when the natural light is soft enough to avoid harsh shadows on the subject's face.”
UsageUncountable when referring to the energy itself; countable when referring to specific rays or patches of light.
Synonyms - 02 A1 Beginner
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.
Simple“Please turn off the lights when you leave the room to save energy.”
In context“The stage was equipped with automated lights that changed colour in sync with the rhythm of the music.”
UsageUsually countable in this sense.
- 03 B1 Intermediate
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.
Simple“Excuse me, do you have a light for my candle?”
In context“He fumbled in his pockets for a light, eventually producing a small silver lighter that had been a family heirloom.”
UsageCommonly used in the phrase 'have a light'.
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a way of looking at or thinking about something.
n.a particular perspective or aspect from which a concept or situation is regarded.
Simple“The new evidence puts the whole problem in a different light.”
In context“After hearing his side of the story, I began to see his previous actions in a much more sympathetic light.”
UsageUsually appears in the construction 'in a ... light'.
Synonyms - 05 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.
Simple“It was cold in the cabin, so we decided to light a fire.”
In context“The villagers gathered at the summit to light the ceremonial beacon, signaling the start of the festival to the valley below.”
UsageThe past tense can be 'lit' or 'lighted'; 'lit' is more common in modern British and American English.
Antonyms - 06 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.
Simple“The street was lit by old-fashioned lamps that gave off a yellow glow.”
In context“Huge floodlights were used to light the stadium, ensuring the cameras could capture every detail of the night match.”
UsageOften used in the phrasal verb 'light up'.
SynonymsAntonymsdarken - 07 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.
Simple“This suitcase is very light, so you can carry it easily.”
In context“The aircraft was constructed from light composite materials to improve fuel efficiency and overall range.”
Synonyms - 08 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.
Simple“She chose a light blue paint for the bathroom walls.”
In context“The artist used light tones to create a sense of airy space in the small landscape painting.”
- 09 A2 Elementary
adj.not strong or serious; gentle.
adj.of little force, intensity, or severity.
Simple“There was a light rain falling, so we didn't need umbrellas.”
In context“The doctor recommended light exercise, such as walking, while the patient was recovering from the surgery.”
- 10 B1 Intermediate
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.
Simple“I usually buy light mayonnaise because it has fewer calories.”
In context“The brewery released a light beer specifically targeted at consumers looking for a lower-alcohol alternative.”
UsageOften spelled 'lite' in commercial branding and advertising.
- 11 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.
Simple“I am a light sleeper, so I wake up if a door closes downstairs.”
In context“During the first stage of the sleep cycle, most people remain light sleepers and can be startled awake by minor noises.”
UsageAlmost exclusively used with 'sleeper' or 'sleep'.
- 12 B2 Upper Intermediate
adv.travelling with very few bags or belongings.
adv.travelling with a minimum amount of equipment or luggage.
Simple“We decided to travel light and only took one small backpack each.”
In context“Experienced hikers advise you to travel light to avoid unnecessary strain on your back during long ascents.”
UsageTypically follows the verb 'travel'.
Usage light touch · light rain · light around a dark