lightness
/ˈlaɪtnəs/ (bre, ipa) · [lˈaɪtnəs] /ˈlaɪtnəs/ (ame, ipa) · [lˈaɪtnəs] /ˈlīt-nəs How to pronounce lightness (audio)/ (ame, mw)
lightness — noun
1. a state in which something has little weight, so it can be lifted, carried, or m
a state in which something has little weight, so it can be lifted, carried, or moved without much effort
Noor smiled at the lightness of the empty suitcase.
the lightness of + noun for low weight
The chair's lightness let Eve carry it upstairs alone.
lightness lets + person + verb
Campers chose the tent for its lightness on long walks.
Aoi noticed the lightness of the box once the books were gone.
- light weight
often used in product talk and direct comparisons
- portability
focuses more on ease of carrying than actual weight
- airiness
often suggests a light feel rather than simple low weight
- heaviness
the quality of feeling hard to lift or carry
文法句型
the lightness of + noun
lightness lets + person + verb
用法筆記
This sense is common with bags, clothes, furniture, and materials. It often appears after the lightness of when a speaker compares how easy something feels to carry.
2. a fine and graceful quality in the way something looks, or a soft touch that avo
a fine and graceful quality in the way something looks, or a soft touch that avoids strong force
Élise admired the lightness of the silk sleeves on the dress.
the lightness of + clothing detail for delicate appearance
The lightness of Roya's touch kept the baby's skin calm.
lightness of touch for gentle handling
Guests loved the lightness of the lace curtains by the window.
The chef folded the cream with lightness, not force.
- delicacy
stresses fineness and careful detail
- gentleness
focuses more on soft force than on appearance
- grace
often describes smooth beauty in movement
文法句型
the lightness of + touch
with lightness
用法筆記
This sense is common in descriptions of appearance, design, or careful physical handling. It often goes with touch, fabric, or details that seem fine rather than heavy or rough.
3. a bright, playful spirit that keeps a person, conversation, or style from feelin
a bright, playful spirit that keeps a person, conversation, or style from feeling serious or troubled
Christopher's lightness made the long meeting easier to bear.
lightness affects the tone of an event
Even after the delay, Nia spoke with lightness and a smile.
with lightness in speech and manner
The book balances sadness with flashes of lightness.
At dinner, Ilan's lightness stopped the argument from growing.
- cheerfulness
a general happy mood without the contrast with seriousness
- playfulness
emphasizes joking or playful behaviour
- gaiety
more literary and formal than lightness
- seriousness
focuses on a heavy or solemn tone
- gloom
suggests sadness and darkness of mood
文法句型
with lightness
lightness in + noun
用法筆記
This sense often describes tone, style, or atmosphere rather than physical weight. It is useful when someone brings ease or humour into a tense or sad situation.
4. a smooth and lively way of moving that shows speed, control, and grace
a smooth and lively way of moving that shows speed, control, and grace
The cat crossed the wall with surprising lightness.
with lightness for agile movement
Ravindra danced across the stage with lightness and control.
lightness paired with control in movement
The young deer moved with such lightness that leaves barely shook.
Hoa climbed the narrow stairs with the lightness of a gymnast.
- agility
focuses on quick and skilful movement
- nimbleness
close in meaning but slightly more direct
- grace
can suggest beauty more than speed
- clumsiness
suggests awkward movement and poor control
文法句型
with lightness
the lightness of + movement
用法筆記
This sense is mostly used in descriptive writing about movement. It often appears with verbs such as move, dance, climb, jump, or cross.
5. the quality of having a pale, soft colour rather than a dark or strong one
the quality of having a pale, soft colour rather than a dark or strong one
The lightness of the paint made the room feel larger.
lightness of a colour changes a room
Designers liked the lightness of the blue fabric.
the lightness of + fabric colour
The lightness of the sky made the houses stand out.
Evelyn chose the wallpaper for its lightness and calm tone.
文法句型
the lightness of + colour
lightness in + noun
用法筆記
This sense is common in art, fashion, and design. It is often contrasted with darker or richer colours rather than with physical weight.
6. a bright condition in which a place receives plenty of light
a bright condition in which a place receives plenty of light
The new studio's lightness made the paintings look brighter.
lightness of a room or space
Sunrise brought lightness back to the kitchen after the storm.
bring lightness back to + place
Large windows gave the hallway a welcome lightness.
After the curtains were opened, the room gained instant lightness.
- brightness
the most direct general word for this effect
- illumination
more formal and often used in technical contexts
- daylight
names the source of the light rather than the quality
文法句型
give + place + lightness
bring lightness back to + place
用法筆記
This sense is often used for rooms, studios, and other indoor spaces. It usually refers to the effect of daylight or a large amount of natural light.