light

I. light¹ S1 W1 /laɪt/ BrE AmE 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
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)
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ 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.
• • •
THESAURUS (for Meaning 2)
▪ 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

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

light

light [light lights lit lighted lighting] noun, adjective, verb, adverb [laɪt] [laɪt]

noun
FROM SUN/LAMPS
1. uncountable the energy from the sun, a lamp, etc. that makes it possible to see things
• bright/dim light
• a room with good natural light
• in the fading light of a summer's evening
• The light was beginning to fail (= it was beginning to get dark).
• She could just see by the light of the candle.
• Bring it into the light so I can see it.
• a beam/ray of light
• The knife gleamed as it caught the light (= as the light shone on it).

see also first light

2. countable a particular type of light with its own colour and qualities
• A cold grey light crept under the curtains.

see also Northern Lights

LAMP

3. countable a thing that produces light, especially an electric light
• to turn/switch the lights on/off
• to turn out the light(s)
• Suddenly all the lights went out.
• It was an hour before the lights came on again.
• to turn down/dim the lights
• A light was still burning in the bedroom.
• ceiling/wall lights
• Keep going— the lights (= traffic lights) are green.
• Check your car before you drive to make sure that your lights are working.

see also brake light, green light, headlight, leading light, red light

FOR CIGARETTE

4. singular a match or device with which you can light a cigarette: (BrE) Have you got a light?

• (NAmE, BrE) Do you have a light?

EXPRESSION IN EYES

5. singular an expression in sb's eyes which shows what they are thinking or feeling

• There was a soft light in her eyes as she looked at him.

IN PICTURE

6. uncountable light colours in a picture, which contrast with darker ones

• the artist's use of light and shade

WINDOW

7. countable (architecture) a window or an opening to allow light in
• leaded lights
see also skylight
more at the bright lights at bright _adj., in the cold light of day at cold _adj., hide your light under a bushel at hide _v., jump the lights at jump _v., be (all) sweetness and light at sweetness
Word Origin:
n. and v. adj. senses 1 to 2 Old English lēoht līht līhtan Germanic Dutch licht German Licht Indo-European Greek leukos ‘white’ Latin lux ‘light’
adj. senses 3 to 17 Old English lēocht līht lēohte Germanic Dutch licht German leicht Indo-European lung

Thesaurus:
light noun
1. U, sing.
• She could just see by the light of the candle.
brightness • • lighting •
Opp: darkness, Opp: the dark, Opp: shade
light/brightness from sth
in the light/brightness
good/bright/strong/poor/electric light/lighting
give light/brightness to sth
2. C
• Turn on the lights!
lamp • • candle • • lantern • |BrE torch • |especially AmE flashlight •
switch on/off a light/lamp/torch/flashlight
shine a light/lantern/torch/flashlight on sth
a light/lamp/lantern/torch/flashlight shines
Which Word?:
light / lighting
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: ▪ the lighting system ◊ ▪ the movie’s interesting lighting effects ◊ ▪ The lighting at the disco was fantastic.
Example Bank:
• A warning light goes on when the battery is running low.
• Bring it into the light and we'll have a look at it.
• Could you give me a light?
• For the first time since the start of his treatment, we can now see light at the end of the tunnel.
• He flashed his lights to warn the oncoming cars.
• In full light, you could see Alison was well over forty.
• Light from a tall lamp fell in a pool on the desk.
• Nothing can travel faster than the speed of light.
• She held up the letter against the light.
• Some cars already had their lights on.
• Some of his paintings never even saw the light of day.
• Someone shone a light in my face.
• The blue light was flashing.
• The car was stopped at the side of the road with its hazard lights flashing.
• The lamp was the only source of light in the room.
• The light flickered a couple of times then went out.
• The light reflecting off the snow was dazzling.
• The pilot could just make out the runway landing lights.
• The place looked calm in the golden evening light.
• The warning light came on.
• There was a flash of light followed by an explosion.
• They managed to see where the door was by the light of the moon.
• We could hardly see the ball in the failing light.
• We were momentarily blinded by the light of the sun.
• You could see the imperfections in the repair when the light caught it.
• film that is sensitive to ultraviolet light
• in the cold light of morning
• light emitted by a star
• the bright lights of the city
• the light from the kitchen window
• Check your car before you drive to make sure that your lights are working.
• Examine the artist's use of light and shade.
• He squinted in the bright light.
• It was getting dark and the street lights had come on.
• Keep going— the lights are green.
• Suddenly all the lights went out.
• The light was beginning to fail.
• The lights dimmed and the curtain rose.
• Turn on the lights!
• We could only just make out the path in the dim light.
• a beam/ray of light
Idioms: according to somebody's lights ▪ bring something to light ▪ cast light on something ▪ come to light ▪ in a good/bad/favourable light ▪ in somebody's light ▪ in the light of something ▪ light at the end of the tunnel ▪ light dawned ▪ light of somebody's life ▪ light on something ▪ light touch ▪ lights are on but nobody's home ▪ make light of something ▪ make light work of something ▪ out like a light ▪ run a light ▪ run the lights ▪ see the light ▪ set light to something
Derived Word: lightness

Derived: light on something ▪ light something up ▪ light up

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

light / laɪt / noun (BRIGHTNESS)

B1 [ U ] the brightness that comes from the sun, fire, etc. and from electrical devices, and that allows things to be seen:

a bright light

fluorescent/ultraviolet light

a beam/ray of light

Light was streaming in through the open door.

It's a north-facing room so it doesn't get much light (= brightness from the sun) .

A2 [ C ] a piece of equipment that produces light, such as a lamp or a bulb:

Could you switch/turn the light on/off , please?

She could see the city lights in the distance.

As the lights went down, the audience grew quiet.

My front bike light isn't working.

Collins Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

light

I [la͟ɪt]BRIGHTNESS OR ILLUMINATION
♦♦
lights, lighting, lit, lighted, lighter, lightest
(The form lit is the usual past tense and past participle, but the form lighted is also used.)
1) N-UNCOUNT: also the N Light is the brightness that lets you see things. Light comes from sources such as the sun, moon, lamps, and fire.
  Cracks of light filtered through the shutters...
  Light and water in embassy buildings were cut off...
  It was difficult to see in the dim light.
  ...ultraviolet light.
  Ant:
  darkness
2) N-COUNT A light is something such as an electric lamp which produces light.
  The janitor comes round to turn the lights out...
  You get into the music, the lights and the people around you.
  ...street lights.
3) N-PLURAL You can use lights to refer to a set of traffic lights.
  ...the heavy city traffic with its endless delays at lights and crossings.
4) VERB If a place or object is lit by something, it has light shining on it.
  [V n] It was dark and a giant moon lit the road so brightly you could see the landscape clearly...
  [V n] The room was lit by only the one light...
  [V n with n] The low sun lit the fortress walls with yellow light.
  [V-ed] ...the little lighted space at the bottom of the stairwell.
  Syn:
  illuminate
5) ADJ-GRADED If it is light, the sun is providing light at the beginning or end of the day.
  It was still light when we arrived at Lalong Creek...
  He would often rise as soon as it was light and go into the garden.
  ...light summer evenings.
  Ant:
  dark
6) ADJ-GRADED If a room or building is light, it has a lot of natural light in it, for example because it has large windows.
  It is a light room with tall windows...
  Her house is light and airy, crisp and clean.
  Syn:
  bright
  Ant:
  dark
  Derived words:
  lightness N-UNCOUNT usu with supp The dark green spare bedroom is in total contrast to the lightness of the large main bedroom.
7) V-ERG If you light something such as a cigarette or fire, or if it lights, it starts burning.
  [V n] Stephen hunched down to light a cigarette...
  If the charcoal does fail to light, use a special liquid spray and light it with a long taper.
  [V-ed] ...a lighted candle.
8) N-SING: a N If someone asks you for a light, they want a match or cigarette lighter so they can start smoking. [INFORMAL]
  Have you got a light anybody?
9) N-COUNT: with supp If something is presented in a particular light, it is presented so that you think about it in a particular way or so that it appears to be of a particular nature.
  He has worked hard in recent months to portray New York in a better light.
10) N-SING: the N of n You can refer to the type of influence that something has on situations, people, or things as the light of that situation, person, or thing. [WRITTEN]
  ...the harsh light of reality.
11) N-PLURAL: prep poss N You say that something is done or is acceptable according to someone's lights when you mean that it is done or is acceptable according to their own ideas and standards. [FORMAL]
  They can get on with running the school system according to their own lights and in their own interests.
12) N-SING: usu N in n If there is a light in someone's eyes, there is an expression in their eyes that shows you the mood they are in or what they are thinking about. [LITERARY]
  I remembered the curious expectant light in his eyes.
  Syn:
  glint
13) → See also lighter, lighting, bright lights, night light, pilot light, red light
14) PHRASE: V inflects If something comes to light or is brought to light, it becomes obvious or is made known to a lot of people.
  Nothing about this sum has come to light...
  The truth is unlikely to be brought to light by the promised enquiry.
15) PHRASE: V inflects If light dawns on you, you begin to understand something after a period of not being able to understand it.
  At last the light dawned. He was going to marry Phylis!
16) PHRASE First light is the time in the early morning when light first appears and before the sun rises. [LITERARY]
  Three hours before first light Fuentes gave orders for the evacuation of the camp.
  Syn:
  daybreak
17) PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR If someone in authority gives you a green light, they give you permission to do something.
  The food industry was given a green light to extend the use of these chemicals...
  Other countries are eagerly awaiting an American green light to lift the sanctions altogether.
18) PHR-PREP If something is possible in the light of particular information, it is only possible because you have this information.
  In the light of this information it is now possible to identify a number of key issues.
19) PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v If someone goes out like a light, they fall asleep or become unconscious very quickly or immediately. [INFORMAL]
  `Why didn't somebody come and tell me?' - `Because you were out like a light.'
20) PHRASE: V inflects If you say that an object sees the light of day or sees the light, you mean that it is taken out of the place where it is stored.
  Museum basements are stacked full of objects which never see the light of day.
21) PHRASE: V inflects If something sees the light of day at a particular time, it comes into existence or is made known to the public at that time.
  This extraordinary document first saw the light of day in 1966.
22) PHRASE: V inflects If someone sees the light, they finally realize something or change their attitude or way of behaving to a better one.
  I saw the light, ditched him and now live with a man who loves me and my body.
23) PHRASE: V inflects: PHR n If you set light to something, you make it start burning. [mainly BRIT]
  They had poured fuel through the door of the flat and had then set light to it.(in AM, use set fire to)
24) PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n To shed light on, throw light on, or cast light on something means to make it easier to understand, because more information is known about it.
  A new approach offers an answer, and may shed light on an even bigger question.
  Syn:
  clarify
25) PHRASE When you talk about the light at the end of the tunnel, you are referring to the end of the difficult or unpleasant situation that you are in at the moment.
  All I can do is tell her to hold on, that there's light at the end of the tunnel.
26) all sweetness and light → see sweetness
  Phrasal Verbs:
  - light on
  - light upon
  - light up
  - light uponII [la͟ɪt]NOT GREAT IN WEIGHT, AMOUNT, OR INTENSITY
♦♦♦
lighter, lightest
1) ADJ-GRADED Something that is light does not weigh very much, or weighs less than you would expect it to.
  Modern tennis rackets are now apparently 20 per cent lighter.
  ...weight training with light weights...
  Try to wear light, loose clothes.
  Ant:
  heavy
  Derived words:
  lightness N-UNCOUNT usu with supp The toughness, lightness, strength, and elasticity of whalebone gave it a wide variety of uses.
2) ADJ-GRADED Something that is light is not very great in amount, degree, or intensity.
  It's a Sunday like any other with the usual light traffic in the city...
  Trading was very light ahead of yesterday's auction.
  ...a light breeze.
  Derived words:
  lightly ADV-GRADED usu ADV -ed, also ADV after v Put the onions in the pan and cook until lightly browned. ...the small and lightly armed UN contingent.
3) ADJ: ADJ n Light equipment and machines are small and easily moved, especially because they are not heavy.
  ...a convoy of light armoured vehicles...
  They used light machine guns and AK forty-sevens.
4) ADJ-GRADED Soil that is light is easy to dig, because it has a loose texture and is not sticky or solid.
  Less chemical gets into the sub-soil which is particularly important with the light, tropical soils.
5) ADJ-GRADED Something that is light is very pale in colour.
  The walls are light in colour and covered in paper...
  He is light haired with gray eyes.
  Syn:
  pale
COMB in COLOUR
Light is also a combining form. We know he has a light green van. ...a light blue box.
6) ADJ-GRADED: ADJ n A light sleep is one that is easily disturbed and in which you are often aware of the things around you. If you are a light sleeper, you are easily woken when you are asleep.
  She had drifted into a light sleep...
  She was usually a light sleeper.
  Ant:
  heavy
  Derived words:
  lightly ADV-GRADED ADV after v He was dozing lightly in his chair.
7) ADJ-GRADED A light sound, for example someone's voice, is pleasantly quiet.
  The voice was sweet and light.
8) ADJ-GRADED A light meal is small in quantity.
  ...a light, healthy lunch.
  ...wine and cheese or other light refreshment.
  Derived words:
  lightly ADV-GRADED ADV after v She found it impossible to eat lightly.
9) ADJ-GRADED Food that is light has a delicate flavour and is easy to digest.
  Berti's clear tomato soup is deliciously light...
  Bake salmon in foil or poach in a light stock for 8-10 minutes.
  ...light table wines.
10) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n Light work does not involve much physical effort.
  He was on the training field for some light work yesterday.
11) ADJ-GRADED If you describe the result of an action or a punishment as light, you mean that it is less serious or severe than you expected.
  She confessed her astonishment at her light sentence when her father visited her at the jail.
  Syn:
  lenient
  Derived words:
  lightly ADV-GRADED ADV after v One of the accused got off lightly in exchange for pleading guilty to withholding information from Congress.
12) ADJ-GRADED Movements and actions that are light are graceful or gentle and are done with very little force or effort.
  Use a light touch when applying cream or make-up...
  There was a light knock at the door.
  Derived words:
  lightly ADV-GRADED ADV with v He kissed her lightly on the mouth... Knead the dough very lightly.
  lightness N-UNCOUNT She danced with a grace and lightness that were breathtaking.
13) → See also lighterIII [la͟ɪt]UNIMPORTANT OR NOT SERIOUS
♦♦♦
lighter, lightest
(Please look at category 5 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.)
1) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n If you describe things such as books, music, and films as light, you mean that they entertain you without making you think very deeply.
  He doesn't like me reading light novels.
  ...light classical music.
  ...a light entertainment programme.
  Ant:
  deep
2) ADJ-GRADED: usu ADJ n If you say something in a light way, you sound as if you think that something is not important or serious.
  Talk to him in a friendly, light way about the relationship.
  ...to finish on a lighter note.
  Ant:
  serious
  Derived words:
  lightly ADV-GRADED ADV after v `Once a detective, always a detective,' he said lightly.
  lightness N-UNCOUNT `I'm not an authority on them,' Jessica said with forced lightness.
3) ADJ-GRADED: usu with brd-neg If you say that something is not a light matter, you mean that it should be treated or considered as being important and serious.
  It can be no light matter for the Home Office that so many young prisoners should have wanted to kill or injure themselves.
  Derived words:
  lightly ADV-GRADED ADV with v His allegations cannot be lightly dismissed.
4) PHRASE: V inflects If you make light of something, you treat it as though it is not serious or important, when in fact it is.
  Roberts attempted to make light of his discomfort.
  Syn:
  play down
5) → See also lighter
to make light work of → see work

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

¹light /ˈlaɪt/ noun, pl lights
1 [noncount] : the form of energy that makes it possible to see things : the brightness produced by the sun, by fire, a lamp, etc.
• The light was bright/dazzling.
• The landscape was bathed/awash in light.
• a ray/shaft/beam of light
• a source of light = a light source
• a photograph taken in low/dim light
• the light of the moon
• a mixture of light and shadow
• The windows let fresh air and light into the room.
• a plant that grows best in direct/indirect light [=with light shining directly/indirectly on it]
• natural light [=sunlight]
• artificial light [=light produced by electric lamps]
- sometimes used figuratively
• He hates the harsh light of publicity.
2 [count]
a : a source of light (such as an electric lamp)
• turn/switch on/off the light
• a fluorescent light
• a light fixture [=a lamp that is permanently attached to a wall, ceiling, etc.]
• a warning light
• The lights suddenly went out.
• The lights suddenly came on.
• the twinkling lights of the city below
• the bright lights of Broadway
• a light switch [=a switch for turning lights on and off]
• The lights are on, so there must be somebody at home.
- see also nightlight
b : a light on a vehicle
• His car's battery died because he left his lights on.
3 [singular] : a way of showing or understanding something or someone
• The situation looks less serious when looked at in a certain light. [=in a certain way]
• I see things in a different light now. [=I see/understand things differently now]
• The defendants were shown/depicted in a bad light [=in a way that made them seem bad] by the lawyer.
• The news about his marital problems does not place/put him in a good light. [=does not make him appear to be a good person]
• She tried to explain her behavior in the best light possible. [=in a way that would make her appear as good as possible]
4 [count] : a light or set of lights used to control traffic : traffic light
• Turn left at the next light.
• The light was red.
• We were waiting for the light to turn green.
5 [singular] informal : a flame for lighting a cigarette
• I need a light for my cigarette.
• Do you have a light?
• I didn't have any matches, but a stranger gave me a light. [=lit my cigarette for me]
6 [noncount] formal : daylight 1
• Things look different by the light of day.
• We woke up at first light. [=at dawn; at sunrise; when the sun came up]
- see also see the light of day (below)
7 [singular] : a quality in a person's eyes that shows emotion
• I saw the light of recognition in her eye.
8 lights [plural]
a : light colors : colors that are more white than black
• the composition of lights and darks in the painting/photograph
b : light-colored clothes
• Wash the lights and the darks separately.
according to your lights formal : according to your idea of what is right
• You know my views on the matter; but of course you must act according to your (own) lights. [=you must be guided by your own opinions about what is right]
a light at the end of the tunnel : a reason to believe that a bad situation will end soon or that a long and difficult job will be finished soon
• They are falling deeper into debt, and there is no light at the end of the tunnel.
• The work on our house has been going on for months, but we're finally starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel.
bring (something) to light : to tell people about (something) : to make (something) known
• Many new facts were brought to light during the investigation.
cast/shed/throw light on : to help to explain (something) : to make it possible to understand or know more about (something)
• She is developing new theories that might shed some light on these unusual phenomena.
• I hope my explanation throws light on their behavior.
come to light : to become known
• Other details have come to light because of this investigation.
• She was angry when it came to light that some people were being promoted unfairly.
hide your light under a bushel
- see bushel
in someone's light : blocking the light that someone needs to see or read something
• She asked him to move back a few steps because he was in her light.
in the cold light of day
- see ¹cold
in the light of or US in light of
1 : while thinking about (something that affects the way you see or understand things)
• You should think about their advice in light of your own needs.
• It is impossible to come to a conclusion in the light of the data we have here.
• You should read the story in light of your own experiences.
2 : because of (something)
• It's a particularly important topic in light of recent events.
light dawns
✦When people suddenly understand something that they had not understood before, (a/the) light dawns (on them).
• When she saw the guilty look on her husband's face, a light dawned, and she knew he had been lying to her.
more heat than light
- see ¹heat
out like a light informal
1 : asleep
• As soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out like a light.
2 : unconscious
• He took one punch to the jaw and was out like a light.
punch someone's lights out
- see ¹punch
see the light informal : to suddenly understand or realize the truth of something
• Many people doubted his theory, but most of them have now finally seen the light. [=most of them now realize that his theory is correct]
see the light of day
1 : to be seen or used
• our fine china, which hasn't seen the light of day in at least 10 years
2 : to become publicly known
• Important documents in this case have never seen the light of day.
• Her theory first saw the light of day in a well-respected magazine.
set light to chiefly Brit : to cause (something) to begin burning
• used a match to set light to [=set fire to] the paper
the light of your life : a person you love very much and who makes you happy
• His daughter is the light of his life.
trip the light fantastic
- see ²trip