Word
lightness
Phoneticslight·ness, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫaɪtnəs/
UK/lˈaɪtnəs/
Definition
n. the quality of being not heavy or difficult to lift. It can also describe a feeling of being free from worry or a style that is simple and easy to understand.
n. the quality of being not heavy in weight or difficult to lift; also refers to a state of mental freedom from burdens or a stylistic quality of simplicity and grace.
Examples
“The lightness of the fabric makes it perfect for summer.”
“After the long hike, the lightness of the backpack felt like a great relief.”
“The architect's design achieved a remarkable lightness of touch, balancing structural integrity with an airy, open-plan aesthetic that felt entirely weightless.”
Examples
simple
“The lightness of the fabric makes it perfect for summer.”
contextual
“After the long hike, the lightness of the backpack felt like a great relief.”
complex
“The architect's design achieved a remarkable lightness of touch, balancing structural integrity with an airy, open-plan aesthetic that felt entirely weightless.”
Real-World Examples
“In the second experiment, the researchers aimed to see whether this effect could carry over to a more realistic situation by increasing or decreasing hair lightness.” “The coffee presents a gentle aroma that feels both clean and soothing, balancing lightness with a restorative quality.” Etymology
From Middle English lightnes, lightnesse, from Old English līhtnes, lȳhtnys (“enlightening, illumination”), from Proto-West Germanic *liuhtinassī; equivalent to light (“to make bright, illuminate”, verb) + -ness (suffix forming nouns). Cognate with Old High German liuhtnissi (“illumination, enlightening”).
From Middle English lightnes, lightnesse, from Old English *lēohtnes (“lightness”) (compare Old English lēohtmōdnes (“lightness”, literally “light-moodedness”), līhtingnes (“lightness, alleviation”)); equivalent to light (“not heavy”, adjective) + -ness (suffix forming nouns). Cognate with Middle Low German luchtnisse, lüchtnisse (“lightness, frivolity, joyfulness”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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