# light /ˈɫaɪt/ (US) · /lˈaɪt/ (UK) Source: https://englishreference.com/word/light Updated: 2026-08-15 ## Senses ### 1. what lets you see noun · CEFR A1 the energy from the sun or a lamp that allows you to see things. For teachers: 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. Usage: Uncountable when referring to the energy itself; countable when referring to specific rays or patches of light. ### 2. a lamp noun · CEFR A1 a device like a lamp that you turn on to make a room bright. For teachers: 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. Usage: Usually countable in this sense. ### 3. a flame for fire noun · CEFR B1 · Informal something used to start a fire, like a match or a lighter. For teachers: 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. Usage: Commonly used in the phrase 'have a light'. ### 4. a perspective noun · CEFR B2 a way of looking at or thinking about something. For teachers: 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. Usage: Usually appears in the construction 'in a ... light'. ### 5. to ignite verb · CEFR A2 to start something burning, like a fire or a cigarette. For teachers: 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. Usage: The past tense can be 'lit' or 'lighted'; 'lit' is more common in modern British and American English. ### 6. to illuminate verb · CEFR B1 to give light to a place so that people can see. For teachers: 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. Usage: Often used in the phrasal verb 'light up'. ### 7. not heavy adjective · CEFR A1 having very little weight; easy to lift or carry. For teachers: 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. ### 8. pale colour adjective · CEFR A1 a colour that is pale or close to white; not dark. For teachers: 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. ### 9. low intensity adjective · CEFR A2 not strong or serious; gentle. For teachers: 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. ### 10. dietary adjective · CEFR B1 food or drink that has less fat, sugar, or alcohol than usual. For teachers: 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. Usage: Often spelled 'lite' in commercial branding and advertising. ### 11. not deep sleep adjective · CEFR B2 describing a sleep that is easily disturbed. For teachers: 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. Usage: Almost exclusively used with 'sleeper' or 'sleep'. ### 12. with little luggage adverb · CEFR B2 travelling with very few bags or belongings. For teachers: 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. Usage: Typically follows the verb 'travel'. ## Examples - Plants need light and water to grow. - The only light in the dark room came from the small candle on the table. - As dawn broke, a sliver of golden light crept over the horizon, slowly pushing back the deep blues and purples of the pre-dawn sky. --- From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.