light
Word family
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 5++LDOCE 5++light1 /laɪt/ ●●● S1 W1 noun 
1 natural/artificial light 自然光/人造光 a) [uncountable]LIGHT the energy from the Sun, a flame, a lamp etc that allows you to see things 光，光线 We saw a flash of light. 我们看到一道闪光。in/by the light of something Everything looked grey in the dim light of the oil lamp. 在昏暗的油灯下，所有的东西看上去都是灰蒙蒙的。 I read by the light of the fire. 我借着火光读书。in/into the light The man moved forward into the light. 那人向前走到光亮的地方。 b) [countable]LIGHT a particular type of light, with its own particular colour, level of brightness etc 〔有某种光色、亮度等的〕光 The colours look different in different lights. 这些颜色在不同光线下看上去不同。2 lamp/electric light etc 灯/电灯等 [countable] a) LIGHTsomething that produces light, especially electric light, to help you to see 光源，〔尤指〕电灯 Ahead of us we could see the lights of the city. 前方，我们能看到城市的灯光。 We’re having a mixture of wall lights and ceiling lights in different parts of the house. 我们在房子的不同地方装了壁灯和顶灯。turn/switch/put on a light I switched on the light in the bedroom. 我打开卧室的灯。turn/switch/put off a light Don’t forget to switch the lights off when you go out. 出去时别忘了关灯。turn/switch/put out a light Can you turn the light out downstairs? 你把楼下的灯关了好吗？a light is/comes/goes on The lights in the office were still on. 办公室里依然亮着灯。 The street lights were just beginning to come on. 街道两旁华灯初上。 He left a light on in the kitchen. 他让厨房里的一盏灯亮着。a light is off/out Make sure all the lights are off when you leave. 你走的时候一定要把所有的灯都关了。 Suddenly all the lights in the house went out. 忽然屋里所有的灯都熄灭了。 Can you turn the light down (=make it less bright) a bit? 你把灯调暗一点好吗？ → the bright lights at bright(14) b) DTZsomething such as a lamp that you can carry to give you light 〔可手持的〕灯；手电筒 Shine a light over here, will you? 你把灯往这边照，好吗？3 traffic control 交通控制 [countable usually plural]TTR one of a set of red, green, and yellow lights used for controlling traffic 交通信号灯 SYN traffic lights We waited for the lights to change. 我们等着红绿灯转换。 Eventually the lights turned green. 绿灯终于亮了。 The driver had failed to stop at a red light. 红灯亮时司机没有把车停下。 → green light4 on a vehicle 在车上 [countable usually plural]TTC one of the lights on a car, bicycle etc that help you to see at night 〔汽车、自行车等的〕车灯5 first light literaryTMC the time when light first appears in the morning sky 破晓，黎明，曙光6 be/stand in somebody’s light DARKto prevent someone from getting all the light they need to see or do something 挡住某人的光线7 FOR A CIGARETTE 用于香烟a light SMOKEa match or something else to light a cigarette 火柴；打火机8 in SB’s eyes 在某人眼中 [singular] literaryEXPRESSION ON somebody'S FACE an expression in someone’s eyes that shows an emotion or intention 眼神 SYN gleam9 set light to something BURNto make something start burning 点燃某物，引火烧某物10 come to light/be brought to light FIND OUTif new information comes to light, it becomes known 〔新信息〕为人所知，被披露出来11 throw/shed/cast light on something EXPLAINto provide new information that makes a difficult subject or problem easier to understand 〔提供新资料〕使某事物更容易理解12 in the light of something British English, in light of something American EnglishBECAUSE if you do or decide something in the light of something else, you do it after considering that thing 考虑到某事物，根据[鉴于]某事物13 in a new/different/bad etc light UNDERSTANDif someone or something is seen or shown in a particular light, people can see that particular part of their character 从新的/不同的/坏的等角度看14 see the light 15 see the light (of day) 16 light at the end of the tunnel HOPEsomething that gives you hope for the future after a long and difficult period 黑暗尽头的光明〔指经历长期磨难后终于看到希望〕17. have your name in lights informalFAMOUS to be successful and famous in theatre or films 在演艺圈中成名18 go/be out like a light informalSLEEP to go to sleep very quickly because you are very tired 〔因很疲倦而〕很快入睡19 a leading light in/of something informalIMPORTANT someone who is important in a particular organization 某组织中的权威人士[重要人物]20 the light of somebody’s life the person that someone loves more than anyone else 某人最心爱的人，某人的心肝宝贝21. window 窗 [countable]TBB a window in a roof or wall that allows light into a room 窗；天窗；采光口 → hide your light under a bushel at bushel, red-light district, → be all sweetness and light at sweetness(3), → in the cold light of day at cold1(9) COLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + lightbright/strong 明亮的/强烈的The light was so bright he had to shut his eyes. 光线太强了，他不由得闭上了眼睛。blinding/dazzling (=extremely bright) 令人目眩的/刺眼的The white buildings reflected a blinding light. 白色建筑反射出刺眼的光线。dim (=not bright) 昏暗的Gradually her eyes became accustomed to the dim light. 渐渐地，她的眼睛适应了昏暗的光线。good (=bright enough) 充足的，良好的Stand over here where the light is good. 站到这里来，这里光线好。poor/bad (=not bright enough) 不足的，差的The light was too poor for me to read. 光线太差了，我没法阅读。soft/warm (=light that seems slightly yellow or orange) 柔和的/暖色调的nthe soft light of the candlescold/harsh (=light that seems slightly blue) 冷色调的/刺眼的nthe cold light of the moonthe morning/dawn light 曙光/晨曦nThe flowers glowed brightly in the morning light.natural light (=light produced by the sun) 自然光nThe only natural light came from two high windows.artificial light (=light produced by lamps) 人造光nThe office was windowless, lit only by artificial light.verbslight shines 光照亮The light from the streetlamp shone through the curtains. 路灯的光透过窗帘照进来。light comes from somewhere 光从某处照来The only light came from the fire. 唯一的光线来自火焰。light streams/floods in (=a large amount of light comes in) 光泻入/涌入Light streamed in through the window. 光从窗户泻进来。light falls on/across etc something 光照在/洒在某物上The light fell on her book. 光照在她的书上。light illuminates something formal (=makes it bright or able to be seen) 光照亮某物nThe light from the screen illuminated the people gathered round it.the light is fading (=it is getting darker as the sun is going down) 光亮正在消失produce light (also emit light technical) 发光nthe light produced by the suncast light (=send light onto something) 使光线照向nthe gold circle of light cast by the lampreflect light 反射光线nSnow reflects a lot of light.something is bathed in light literary (=something has a lot of light shining on it) 某物沐浴在光中nThe fields and woods were bathed in golden light.phrasesa beam/ray/shaft of light (=a thin line of light) 一道/束光There was a shaft of light from the doorway. 门口有一道光。a flash of light (=a bright light that appears suddenly for a very short time) 一道闪光A flash of light caught his attention. 一道闪光引起了他的注意。a pool/circle of light (=an area of light) 一片光亮nThey stood in the pool of light cast by the streetlamp.n THESAURUS – Meaning 2: light something that produces light, especially electric light, to help you to seeShe switched the kitchen light on.The lights in the house were all off.lamp an object that produces light by using electricity, oil, or gas – often used in names of lightsa bedside lampa street lampa desk lampa table lampan old oil lampa paraffin lamplantern a lamp that you can carry, consisting of a metal container with glass sides that surrounds a flame or lightThe miners used lanterns which were lit by candles.torch British English, flashlight American English a small electric lamp that you carry in your handWe shone our torches around the cavern.candle a stick of wax with a string through the middle, which you burn to give lightThe restaurant was lit by candles. bulb the glass part of an electric light, that the light shines froma 100 watt bulban energy-saving light bulbon a carheadlight (also headlamp) one of the two large lights at the front of a vehicleIt was getting dark so she switched the headlights on.sidelight British English, parking light American English one of the two small lights next to the main lights, at the front and back of a cartail light one of the two red lights at the back of a vehicleindicator British English, turn signal American English one of the lights on a car that flash to show which way the car is turningExamples from the Corpus
light• Light was coming into the room through a crack in the door.• a sudden flash of blinding light• The 5-inch model of the starship came complete with blinking lights.• the cold blue light of the Arctic• In the fading light she could just make out the shape of a tractor.• a gas lamp that gives as much light as a 100 watt bulb• The blaze of lights in the evening was part of it, and the singing and shivering the rails made.• The speed of light through our apparatus should vary as the speed of the relative ether current varies.• This can be put in its least intuitively reasonable light if we assume just two firms.• You will be aware that normally, of course, reflected light is of the same color as incident light.• We could see light coming from under the door.• The valley was bathed in the soft light of dawn.• Just then, the street lights come on.• That light's really bright.• She sat reading by the light of the fire.• He switched on the light, opened the door, and went into the dim public space.• He switched the light on and looked at the clock.• The light isn't good enough to take a photograph.• The light was fading, and I was afraid we wouldn't be home before dark.in/by the light of something• Lawton was reading Blake by the light of a spot lamp.• I look at this coldly in the light of right and wrong.• We then analyzed that data in the light of history and like activities, and published the results for all to see.• This no-mans-land of uninvolved contemplation is illuminated by the light of understanding.• The wizard's mouth was open, and his face was brilliantly lit by the light of - what?• Chick was reading the Evening Telegraph by the light of a torch.turn/switch/put on a light• I put my picks away, donned my gloves, and turned on a light.• Eventually she made herself go forward, switching on lights as soon as she could reach them.• I've even known him switch on a light without blowing all the fuses.• Rory did not switch on a light, but strode to the window and jerked back the drapes.• But it was as if some one turned on a light switch in Franklin.• He was afraid to turn on a light in the school.• Sonya did not want to turn on a light.• I was put on light duties.light2 ●●● S1 W1 adjective (comparative lighter, superlative lightest) 1 colour 颜色COLOUR/COLOR a light colour is pale and not dark 淡色的，浅色的2 DAYLIGHT 白昼it is/gets light LIGHTif it is light, there is the natural light of day 天亮，天明 OPP dark3 rooms 房间LIGHT a room that is light has plenty of light in it, especially from the sun 明亮的，采光好的〔尤指阳光充足〕 OPP dark4 LIGHT/NOT HEAVYnot heavy 不重的 not very heavy 轻的，不重的5 not great 不大的 if something is light, there is not very much of it or it is not very great 少量的，程度轻的 OPP heavy6 THIN OBJECT OR MATERIALclothes 衣服 light clothes are thin and not very warm 单薄的7 wind 风WEATHER a light wind is blowing without much force 微弱的，轻柔的 OPP strong8 sound 声音 a light sound is very quiet 轻的 OPP loud9 touch 接触TOUCH a light touch is gentle and soft 轻柔的，温柔的10 work/exercise 工作/锻炼EASY light work is not hard or tiring 不累的，轻松的11 food 食物12 punishment 惩罚PUNISH a light punishment is not very severe 不严厉的 OPP harsh13. a light smoker/drinker/eater etc LITTLE/NOT VERYsomeone who does not smoke etc very much 抽烟/饮酒/食量等少的人14 light sleep/doze SLEEPa sleep from which you wake up easily 浅睡15 a light sleeper SLEEPsomeone who wakes up easily if there is any noise etc 睡觉易惊醒的人16 JOKING/NOT SERIOUSnot serious 不严肃的 not serious in meaning, style, or manner, and only intended to entertain people 〔意义、风格或方式〕不严肃的，供消遣的，轻松的17 light relief FUNNYsomething that is pleasant and amusing after something sad or serious 〔悲伤或严肃的事情后的〕轻松的调剂18 make light of something JOKING/NOT SERIOUSto joke about something or treat it as not being very serious, especially when it is important 不把某事当一回事，轻松对待某事，〔尤指〕拿重要的事开玩笑19 on a lighter note/in a lighter vein used when you are going to say something less sad or serious 说点轻松的话题20 make light work of something to do something or deal with something quickly and easily 迅速而轻松地完成某事21 be light on your feet FAST/QUICKto be able to move quickly and gracefully 步履轻盈22 a light heart literaryHAPPY someone who has a light heart feels happy and not worried 轻松愉快的心情，无忧无虑23 soil 土壤TAS light soil is easy to break into small pieces 松软的 OPP heavy —lightness noun [uncountable] a lightness of touch 轻柔触感Examples from the Corpus
light• They both have brown hair, but Tina's is slightly lighter.• Anyway, say packagers, their wrappings have become lighter.• All light aircraft maintenance workshops would most certainly have one for synchronizing and timing port and starboard magnetos on piston engines.• The kitchen is light and airy, with a fantastic view.• The hallway led to a light and spacious studio.• The studio was light and spacious.• She was light as a feather to carry, and her hands were cold as ice.• a light blue shirt• a light breeze• She has light brown hair.• a light dessert• The lighter electro-mechanical version had 60 movements, 30 of them in the head, and was also cable-controlled.• Now it was light enough to leave.• The sentence was surprisingly light for such a serious offence.• He opened the window and a light fresh breeze clutched at the curtains.• This is a nice jacket and we also do it in a light green.• She prepared a light lunch of salad and cheese.• M., the two cars sped along the autostrada toward Brescia in a light mist.• Some ministers are suggesting that there should be much lighter penalties for first-time offenders.• Jones received only a light punishment.• He was making sure they were not exposed to any form of light source, however muted.• Heat rises because hot air is lighter than cold air.• Modern tennis rackets are much lighter than old-fashioned wooden ones.• The traffic's much lighter than usual.• The best rocket exhaust is a very light, very hot gas.• a light white wine• I try to have a light workout every day.• light yogurtlight blue/green/grey etc• Submersed forms are usually disc-shaped, light green, and attached to the ground or in tangles of underwater plants.• The leaves are lanceolate with triangular petioles and light green blades with darker veins.• Colours are subdued, with dark and light blue, brown, and pink predominating.• BDe Mori is a handsome man with light blue eyes and a high, aristocratic forehead.• Kirilenko had light blue eyes, silvery stubble, the beginning of a sag to his lower jaw.• Submersed plants usually have four or five well developed light green leaves.• She had pinned a bunch of violets on her bonnet and put new, light grey ribbons on it.• The old light blue trousers with white leg stripes could be worn with both the four-pocket blue blouse and the khaki version.as light as a feather• You're as light as a feather.• She had been as light as a feather to carry and her small hands were as cold as ice.light reading• He appears to enjoy light reading.• They were very glad to borrow the few Penguin books we brought along with us, even though they are not particularly light reading.• I heave an armchair into the kitchen, lay out some light reading, and prepare a flask of coffee.• The cameraman is taking light readings and setting his lenses.• For light reading, I borrow from the hotel library.• I picked up a romance novel for some light reading on the flight.• Not that it could be described as light reading; there is a lot of heavily theoretical material within its pages.light3 ●●● S2 W3 verb (past tense and past participle lit or lighted) 1 [intransitive, transitive]BURN to start to burn, or to make something start to burn (使)燃烧，点燃2 [transitive]LIGHT to provide light for a place 照亮3 light the/somebody’s way LIGHTto provide light for someone while they are going somewhere 用灯给某人照路；拿灯给某人引路4 light on/upon something phrasal verb literary 5.light out phrasal verb American English informal LEAVE A PLACEto run away, especially because you are afraid 〔尤因害怕而〕逃走，溜掉6 light up phrasal verb → See Verb tableExamples from the Corpus
light• The fire won't light.• The old man lit a cigarette and took a puff.• Ricky sat down and lit a cigarette.• We searched around for twigs and fallen branches, so we could light a fire.• The room was lit by dozens of candles.• The corridor inside was a grey conduit for numerous pipes and fittings, lit by plain white bulbs.• Osborn's Christmas display is lighted by some 30,000 colored bulbs.• I leaned forward to light her cigarette.• The old man struck a match and lit his pipe.• They could light no fire, and Ratagan prophesied gloomily that their camp that night would be cheerless.• She waved for them to start and felt her face flush as she sat down and lit the candle.• From the other, funnels of smoke poured with flames licking behind them, lighting the dark smoke garishly.• What are you going to use to light the stage?• The airline clearly agrees and is resolved to defend the freedom to light up.well lit• At Brooks Brothers in Westfarms, the rooms are handsomely appointed, well lit and very private.• It isn't as well lit as a studio perhaps should be, but I rather like that.• The scene is powerful stuff, well organised and well lit by Serban.• Inside, the building is well lit by the ring of windows in the later, central, octagonal lantern.• The cryptocorynes grow in well lit or only slightly shaded areas up to 50 meters above sea level.• You should have your face well lit so that your mouth is not in shadow.• Growth is inhibited in the winter, but hibernation takes place even in well lit tanks.• The boats in the marina bobbed, well lit, white light dappling the dark waters.From Longman Business Dictionarylightlight1 /laɪt/ adjective1MANUFACTURING light equipment, materials, machines etc are easily moved and used for fairly small tasksthelight aircraft company, CessnaThe empty space will be converted for light industrial use.2FINANCE when buying and selling of shares etc is light, very little business is being done on a financial marketStocks fell for an eighth day in light trading.3light touch if someone in authority uses a light touch, they trust the people or organizations they are in charge of and often let them make their own decisionsHe ruled his staff with a light touch.lightlight2 noun1in a good/bad/positive etc light if you see something in a particular light, you think about it in a particular wayAs long as the customer perceives the price and the product in a positive light, the extra price will be viable.As rates rise in the money markets, equities may be seen in a less favourable light.2in the light of British English in light of American English if something is decided in the light of something else, it is decided after taking that thing into considerationCompanies need to be satisfied that the contract is suitable in the light of their circumstances and financial position.3give something the green light to approve a project, plan etc so that it can beginThe removal of investment controls gave the green light to financial institutions to invest in property.Origin light1 Old English leoht light2 Old English leoht light3 Old English lihtanlight1 noun →10-21
→COLLOCATIONS1 →n THESAURUS1light2 adjective →10-23
light3 verb →n GRAMMAR1LDOCE OnlineChinese
→COLLOCATIONS1 →n THESAURUS1light2 adjective →10-23
light3 verb →n GRAMMAR1LDOCE OnlineChinese
Business from the the energy Corpus lamp a Sun, flame, a
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light
light1 S1 W1 /laɪt/ 
noun
a. [uncountable] the energy from the Sun, a flame, a lamp etc that allows you to see things:
We saw a flash of light.
in/by the light of something
Everything looked grey in the dim light of the oil lamp.
I read by the light of the fire.
in/into the light
The man moved forward into the light.
b. [countable] a particular type of light, with its own particular colour, level of brightness etc:
The colours look different in different lights.
2. LAMP/ELECTRIC LIGHT ETC [countable]
a. something that produces light, especially electric light, to help you to see:
Ahead of us we could see the lights of the city.
We’re having a mixture of wall lights and ceiling lights in different parts of the house.
turn/switch/put on a light
I switched on the light in the bedroom.
turn/switch/put off a light
Don’t forget to switch the lights off when you go out.
turn/switch/put out a light
Can you turn the light out downstairs?
a light is/comes/goes on
The lights in the office were still on.
The street lights were just beginning to come on.
He left a light on in the kitchen.
a light is off/out
Make sure all the lights are off when you leave.
Suddenly all the lights in the house went out.
Can you turn the light down (=make it less bright) a bit? ⇨ the bright lights at bright(13)
b. something such as a lamp that you can carry to give you light:
Shine a light over here, will you?
3. TRAFFIC CONTROL [countable usually plural] one of a set of red, green, and yellow lights used for controlling traffic
SYN traffic lights:
We waited for the lights to change.
Eventually the lights turned green.
The driver had failed to stop at a red light. ⇨ green light, red-light district
4. ON A VEHICLE [countable usually plural] one of the lights on a car, bicycle etc that help you to see at night:
He was dazzled by the lights of oncoming traffic.
You’ve left your lights on. ⇨ brake light, headlight, parking light
5. first light literary the time when light first appears in the morning sky:
We set out at first light the next day.
6. be/stand in sb’s light to prevent someone from getting all the light they need to see or do something:
Could you move to the left a little – you’re standing in my light.
7. FOR A CIGARETTE a light a match or something else to light a cigarette:
Have you got a light, please?
8. IN SB’S EYES [singular] literary an expression in someone’s eyes that shows an emotion or intention
SYN gleam:
There was a murderous light in his eyes.
9. set light to something to make something start burning:
The candle fell over and set light to the barn.
10. come to light/be brought to light if new information comes to light, it becomes known:
This evidence did not come to light until after the trial.
The mistake was only brought to light some years later.
11. throw/shed/cast light on something to provide new information that makes a difficult subject or problem easier to understand:
Melanie was able to shed some light on the situation.
These discoveries may throw new light on the origins of the universe.
12. in the light of something British English, in light of something American English if you do or decide something in the light of something else, you do it after considering that thing:
In light of this tragic event, we have canceled the 4th of July celebrations.
13. in a new/different/bad etc light if someone or something is seen or shown in a particular light, people can see that particular part of their character:
I suddenly saw my father in a new light.
This incident will put the company in a very bad light.
14. see the light
a. to suddenly understand something:
At last doctors have seen the light!
b. to begin to believe in a religion very strongly
15. see the light (of day)
a. if an object sees the light of day, it is taken from the place where it has been hidden, and becomes publicly known:
Some of these documents will probably never see the light of day.
b. if a law, decision etc sees the light of day, it comes into existence for the first time
16. light at the end of the tunnel something that gives you hope for the future after a long and difficult period:
It’s been a hard few months, but we’re finally beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
17. have your name in lights informal to be successful and famous in theatre or films
18. go/be out like a light informal to go to sleep very quickly because you are very tired:
I went straight to bed and went out like a light.
19. a leading light in/of something informal someone who is important in a particular organization:
She’s one of the leading lights of the local dramatic society.
20. the light of sb’s life the person that someone loves more than anyone else:
Her son was the light of her life.
21. WINDOW [countable] a window in a roof or wall that allows light into a room
⇨ hide your light under a bushel at bushel, ⇨ be all sweetness and light at sweetness(3), ⇨ in the cold light of day at cold1(9)
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + light
▪bright/strong The light was so bright he had to shut his eyes.
▪blinding/dazzling (=extremely bright) The white buildings reflected a blinding light.
▪dim (=not bright) Gradually her eyes became accustomed to the dim light.
▪good (=bright enough) Stand over here where the light is good.
▪poor/bad (=not bright enough) The light was too poor for me to read.
▪soft/warm (=light that seems slightly yellow or orange) the soft light of the candles
▪cold/harsh (=light that seems slightly blue) the cold light of the moon
▪the morning/dawn light The flowers glowed brightly in the morning light.
▪natural light (=light produced by the sun) The only natural light came from two high windows.
▪artificial light (=light produced by lamps) The office was windowless, lit only by artificial light.
■ verbs
▪light shines The light from the streetlamp shone through the curtains.
▪light comes from somewhere The only light came from the fire.
▪light streams/floods in (=a large amount of light comes in) Light streamed in through the window.
▪light falls on/across etc something The light fell on her book.
▪light illuminates something formal (=makes it bright or able to be seen) The light from the screen illuminated the people gathered round it.
▪the light is fading (=it is getting darker as the sun is going down)
▪produce light (also emit light technical) the light produced by the sun
▪cast light (=send light onto something) the gold circle of light cast by the lamp
▪reflect light Snow reflects a lot of light.
▪something is bathed in light literary (=something has a lot of light shining on it) The fields and woods were bathed in golden light.
■ phrases
▪a beam/ray/shaft of light (=a thin line of light) There was a shaft of light from the doorway.
▪a flash of light (=a bright light that appears suddenly for a very short time) A flash of light caught his attention.
▪a pool/circle of light (=an area of light) They stood in the pool of light cast by the streetlamp.
▪ light something that produces light, especially electric light, to help you to see: She switched the kitchen light on. | The lights in the house were all off.
▪lamp an object that produces light by using electricity, oil, or gas - often used in names of lights: a bedside lamp | a street lamp | a desk lamp | a table lamp | an old oil lamp | a paraffin lamp
▪lantern a lamp that you can carry, consisting of a metal container with glass sides that surrounds a flame or light: The miners used lanterns which were lit by candles.
▪torch British English, flashlight American English a small electric lamp that you carry in your hand: We shone our torches around the cavern.
▪candle a stick of wax with a string through the middle, which you burn to give light: The restaurant was lit by candles.
▪bulb the glass part of an electric light, that the light shines from: a 100 watt bulb | an energy-saving light bulb
■ on a car
▪headlight (also headlamp ) one of the two large lights at the front of a vehicle: It was getting dark so she switched the headlights on.
▪sidelight British English, parking light American English one of the two small lights next to the main lights, at the front and back of a car
▪tail light one of the two red lights at the back of a vehicle
▪indicator British English, turn signal American English one of the lights on a car that flash to show which way the car is turning
light2 S1 W1 adjective (comparative lighter, superlative lightest)
You look nice in light colours.
light blue/green/grey etc
She had blue eyes and light brown hair.
I wanted a lighter yellow paint for the walls.
2. DAYLIGHT it is/gets light if it is light, there is the natural light of day
OPP dark:
We’ll keep on looking while it’s still light.
It was seven o'clock and just starting to get light.
3. ROOMS a room that is light has plenty of light in it, especially from the sun
OPP dark:
The kitchen was light and spacious.
The office was a big light room at the back of the house.
4.
NOT HEAVY .not very heavy:
You can carry this bag – it’s fairly light.
You should wear light, comfortable shoes.
The truck was quite light and easy to drive.
She was as light as a feather (=very light) to carry. ⇨ lighten, lightweight2
5. NOT GREAT if something is light, there is not very much of it or it is not very great
OPP heavy:
Traffic is lighter before 8 a.m.
A light rain began to fall.
She was wearing only light make-up.
people who have suffered only light exposure to radiation
6. CLOTHES light clothes are thin and not very warm:
She took a light sweater in case the evening was cool.
a light summer coat
7. WIND a light wind is blowing without much force
OPP strong:
Leaves were blowing about in the light wind.
There was a light easterly breeze.
8. SOUND a light sound is very quiet
OPP loud:
There was a light tap at the door.
Her voice was light and pleasant.
9. TOUCH a light touch is gentle and soft:
She gave him a light kiss on the cheek.
He felt a light tap on his shoulder.
10. WORK/EXERCISE light work is not hard or tiring:
I found him some light work to do.
She only has a few light duties around the house.
The doctor has advised me to take regular light exercise.
11. FOOD
a. food or drink that is light either does not have a strong taste or does not make you feel full very quickly, for example because it does not contain very much fat, sugar, or alcohol
OPP rich:
We had a light white wine with the fish.
a light, refreshing dessert
a new light cheese spread with virtually no fat
b. a light meal is a small meal
OPP big:
I had a light lunch in town.
a delicious light snack
c. food that is light contains a lot of air:
a type of light, sweet bread
Beat the mixture until it is light and fluffy.
12. PUNISHMENT a light punishment is not very severe
OPP harsh:
a fairly light sentence
13. a light smoker/drinker/eater etc someone who does not smoke etc very much
14. light sleep/doze a sleep from which you wake up easily:
I fell into a light sleep.
15. a light sleeper someone who wakes up easily if there is any noise etc:
She’s quite a light sleeper.
16. NOT SERIOUS not serious in meaning, style, or manner, and only intended to entertain people:
His speech gradually became lighter in tone.
an evening of light music
It’s a really good book if you want a bit of light reading.
The show looks at some of the lighter moments from the world of politics.
17. light relief something that is pleasant and amusing after something sad or serious:
I’m glad you’ve arrived – we could all do with a little light relief!
18. make light of something to joke about something or treat it as not being very serious, especially when it is important:
She tried to make light of the situation, but I could tell that she was worried.
19. on a lighter note/in a lighter vein used when you are going to say something less sad or serious:
On a lighter note, the concert raised over £300 for school funds.
20. make light work of something to do something or deal with something quickly and easily:
A freezer and microwave oven can make light work of cooking.
21. be light on your feet to be able to move quickly and gracefully:
She’s very agile and light on her feet.
22. a light heart literary someone who has a light heart feels happy and not worried:
I set off for work with a light heart. ⇨ light-hearted
23. SOIL light soil is easy to break into small pieces
OPP heavy:
Carrots grow well in light soils.
—lightness noun [uncountable]:
a lightness of touch
light3 S2 W3 verb (past tense and past participle lit or lighted)
He stopped to light a cigarette.
I lit the fire and poured a drink.
I couldn’t get the candles to light.
2. [transitive usually passive] to provide light for a place:
The room was lit by one large, central light.
The porch is always well lit at night.
The kitchen was warm and brightly lit.
a poorly lit car park
3. light the/sb’s way to provide light for someone while they are going somewhere:
We had only a few torches between us to light the way.
light on/upon something phrasal verb literary
1. to notice or find something by chance:
His eye lit on a ruby ring.
I thought I might have lit upon an ancient manuscript.
2. if a bird or insect lights on something, it stops flying and stands on it
light out phrasal verb American English informal
to run away, especially because you are afraid
light up phrasal verb
1. light something ↔ up to give light to a place or to shine light on something:
The flames lit up the sky.
The fountain is lit up at night.
2. to become bright with light or colour:
At night the harbour lights up.
As the screen lit up, he typed in his password.
3.
a. if someone’s face or eyes light up, they show pleasure, excitement etc
light up with
His eyes lit up with laughter.
Her face lit up with pleasure.
b. light something ↔ up to make someone’s face or eyes show pleasure or excitement:
Suddenly a smile lit up her face.
A mischievous gleam lit up her eyes.
4. informal to light a cigarette:
I watched Paul light up again.
light4 adverb
| I |
noun Word Family: noun: light, lighter, lighting, lightness; adjective: light, lighted, unlit; verb: light, lighten; adverb: lightly, light
Language: Old English
Origin: leoht
1. NATURAL/ARTIFICIAL LIGHT Origin: leoht
a. [uncountable] the energy from the Sun, a flame, a lamp etc that allows you to see things:
in/by the light of something
in/into the light
b. [countable] a particular type of light, with its own particular colour, level of brightness etc:
2. LAMP/ELECTRIC LIGHT ETC [countable]
a. something that produces light, especially electric light, to help you to see:
turn/switch/put on a light
turn/switch/put off a light
turn/switch/put out a light
a light is/comes/goes on
a light is off/out
b. something such as a lamp that you can carry to give you light:
3. TRAFFIC CONTROL [countable usually plural] one of a set of red, green, and yellow lights used for controlling traffic
SYN traffic lights:
4. ON A VEHICLE [countable usually plural] one of the lights on a car, bicycle etc that help you to see at night:
5. first light literary the time when light first appears in the morning sky:
6. be/stand in sb’s light to prevent someone from getting all the light they need to see or do something:
7. FOR A CIGARETTE a light a match or something else to light a cigarette:
8. IN SB’S EYES [singular] literary an expression in someone’s eyes that shows an emotion or intention
SYN gleam:
9. set light to something to make something start burning:
10. come to light/be brought to light if new information comes to light, it becomes known:
11. throw/shed/cast light on something to provide new information that makes a difficult subject or problem easier to understand:
12. in the light of something British English, in light of something American English if you do or decide something in the light of something else, you do it after considering that thing:
13. in a new/different/bad etc light if someone or something is seen or shown in a particular light, people can see that particular part of their character:
14. see the light
a. to suddenly understand something:
b. to begin to believe in a religion very strongly
15. see the light (of day)
a. if an object sees the light of day, it is taken from the place where it has been hidden, and becomes publicly known:
b. if a law, decision etc sees the light of day, it comes into existence for the first time
16. light at the end of the tunnel something that gives you hope for the future after a long and difficult period:
17. have your name in lights informal to be successful and famous in theatre or films
18. go/be out like a light informal to go to sleep very quickly because you are very tired:
19. a leading light in/of something informal someone who is important in a particular organization:
20. the light of sb’s life the person that someone loves more than anyone else:
21. WINDOW [countable] a window in a roof or wall that allows light into a room
⇨ hide your light under a bushel at bushel, ⇨ be all sweetness and light at sweetness(3), ⇨ in the cold light of day at cold1(9)
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| II |
adjective (comparative lighter, superlative lightest) Word Family: noun: light, lighter, lighting, lightness; adjective: light, lighted, unlit; verb: light, lighten; adverb: lightly, light
Language: Old English
Origin: leoht
1. COLOUR a light colour is pale and not dark:Origin: leoht
light blue/green/grey etc
2. DAYLIGHT it is/gets light if it is light, there is the natural light of day
OPP dark:
3. ROOMS a room that is light has plenty of light in it, especially from the sun
OPP dark:
4.
NOT HEAVY .not very heavy:
5. NOT GREAT if something is light, there is not very much of it or it is not very great
OPP heavy:
6. CLOTHES light clothes are thin and not very warm:
7. WIND a light wind is blowing without much force
OPP strong:
8. SOUND a light sound is very quiet
OPP loud:
9. TOUCH a light touch is gentle and soft:
10. WORK/EXERCISE light work is not hard or tiring:
11. FOOD
a. food or drink that is light either does not have a strong taste or does not make you feel full very quickly, for example because it does not contain very much fat, sugar, or alcohol
OPP rich:
b. a light meal is a small meal
OPP big:
c. food that is light contains a lot of air:
12. PUNISHMENT a light punishment is not very severe
OPP harsh:
13. a light smoker/drinker/eater etc someone who does not smoke etc very much
14. light sleep/doze a sleep from which you wake up easily:
15. a light sleeper someone who wakes up easily if there is any noise etc:
16. NOT SERIOUS not serious in meaning, style, or manner, and only intended to entertain people:
17. light relief something that is pleasant and amusing after something sad or serious:
18. make light of something to joke about something or treat it as not being very serious, especially when it is important:
19. on a lighter note/in a lighter vein used when you are going to say something less sad or serious:
20. make light work of something to do something or deal with something quickly and easily:
21. be light on your feet to be able to move quickly and gracefully:
22. a light heart literary someone who has a light heart feels happy and not worried:
23. SOIL light soil is easy to break into small pieces
OPP heavy:
—lightness noun [uncountable]:
| III |
verb (past tense and past participle lit or lighted) Word Family: noun: light, lighter, lighting, lightness; adjective: light, lighted, unlit; verb: light, lighten; adverb: lightly, light
Language: Old English
Origin: lihtan
1. [intransitive and transitive] to start to burn, or to make something start to burn:Origin: lihtan
2. [transitive usually passive] to provide light for a place:
3. light the/sb’s way to provide light for someone while they are going somewhere:
light on/upon something phrasal verb literary
1. to notice or find something by chance:
2. if a bird or insect lights on something, it stops flying and stands on it
light out phrasal verb American English informal
to run away, especially because you are afraid
light up phrasal verb
1. light something ↔ up to give light to a place or to shine light on something:
2. to become bright with light or colour:
3.
a. if someone’s face or eyes light up, they show pleasure, excitement etc
light up with
b. light something ↔ up to make someone’s face or eyes show pleasure or excitement:
4. informal to light a cigarette:
| IV |
adverb Word Family: noun: light, lighter, lighting, lightness; adjective: light, lighted, unlit; verb: light, lighten; adverb: lightly, light
⇨ travel light at travel1(1)
The noun light has several different meanings and is used in many phrases.Lighting can only be used to talk about the type of light in a place or how lights are used to achieve a particular effect.名词 light 有几个不同的含义，可用于许多短语中。lighting 只用以指照明或照明技术 ：◆ the lighting system 照明系统 ◆ the movie's interesting lighting effects 这部电影精彩的灯光效果 ◆ The lighting at the disco was fantastic. 迪斯科舞厅里灯光奇幻。
both especially
also
especially
