Word
lit
Phoneticslit
US/ˈɫɪt/
UK/lˈɪt/
Definitions
01past form of light
A2 · Elementary
v. the past tense of 'light'. You use it when you have already started a fire or turned on a lamp.
v. the past tense and past participle of 'light', used in both transitive and intransitive contexts regarding illumination or ignition.
“She lit the candles on the birthday cake just before her brother walked into the room.”
“The stadium was lit by massive floodlights that cast long, dramatic shadows across the pitch during the final minutes of the match.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02exciting or fun
B2 · Upper Intermediate Slang · Informal
adj. very exciting, fun, or full of energy. You use this to describe a great party or event.
adj. denoting a situation or event characterized by high energy, excitement, or excellence.
“The concert last night was totally lit; the crowd never stopped dancing.”
“Social media was flooded with clips from the festival, with fans claiming the atmosphere was the most lit they had ever experienced.”
Teaching tip
This sense is very common in youth culture and social media; however, it can sound forced when used by older speakers in formal settings.
03intoxicated
C1 · Advanced Slang · Informal
adj. drunk or under the influence of drugs.
adj. intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.
“He got way too lit at the wedding and couldn't remember the speeches the next day.”
“The security team was instructed to monitor guests who appeared too lit to ensure they didn't attempt to drive home.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
04literature
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Informal · Academic
n. a short way of saying 'literature', usually when talking about a school subject.
n. a clipping of 'literature', frequently used in academic contexts to refer to the field of study or specific written works.
“I have to finish my English lit essay by Monday morning.”
“The syllabus includes a survey of Victorian lit, focusing specifically on the transition from Romanticism to Realism.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Smaller fires too numerable to mention were lit at school entrance gates around the country.” “The shops were lit, the restaurants were packed and children were playing in the streets.” “It's an impressive building, especially when lit up at night!” Word family
ADJECTIVE
- 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 C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/lit