Word of the Day: Light
Odds are good you already know this word, but let me show you some different ways to use the word “light” that can help you when you speak or write.
The opposite of dark is light. You can use “light” as an adjective, a verb, or as a noun.
- These days it doesn’t become light outside until about 7:30 a.m.
- It stays light outside until about 4:30 p.m. Then it becomes dark.
- If it isn’t light enough inside your house, you should consider getting some more lights.
- It’s important to have enough light when reading; otherwise, you’ll strain your eyes.
- Turn on the lights.
- Sunlight is an important source of Vitamin D.
- Holiday lights are welcome at this time of year as we enter a time of shorter days and longer nights.
- This flashlight doesn’t work.
We also use the word “light” when describing the quality of a color:
- The opposite of dark blue is light blue.
- Light colors are yellow, orange, and beige.
- To lighten up a room, use light colors on your walls.
- Light yellow is a great color to use in your kitchen.
The word “light” is also used for taste and eating:
- This cake has a nice, light flavor.
- Janice is trying to eat light because she wants to lose weight.
The word “light” is often used when talking about fire:
- He needs a light. Who’s got a light?
- That’s a very nice lighter.
- Bob lit a match and made a fire in the fireplace.
- The pilot light on the stove needs to be lit.
- light / lit / lit — Some people use “lighted” for the past tense and the the past participle.
There are many idioms and expressions that use the word “light.”
- Her face lit up when she saw her boyfriend enter the room. (She was happy.)
- George has to light up on his employees. (light up = ease the pressure)
- Go light on the butter in this recipe. (go light = don’t use so much.)
- You’ve got to lighten up. (lighten up = relax; calm down.)
The adverb form of “light” is “lightly.”
- Donna lightly touched the keys of the piano while playing the sonata.
- Go lightly on the butter. (This is the grammatically correct version of the sentence in the previous section. Americans use both.)
Essential English Dictionary
Visit the Popular English Words Beginning with L page to see the list of all words starting with letter L. For seeing the HiCafe dictionary, visit the Popular English Words with Meaning page.