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| Language: | Old English |
| Origin: | leoht |
1 a light colour is pale and not dark : 
You look nice in light colours.I wanted a lighter yellow paint for the walls.
colour
You look nice in light colours.I wanted a lighter yellow paint for the walls.2 if it is light, there is the natural light of day [≠ dark]: We'll keep on looking while it's still light.
daylight
it is/gets light
We'll keep on looking while it's still light.3 a room that is light has plenty of light in it, especially from the sun [≠ dark]: The kitchen was light and spacious. The office was a big light room at the back of the house.
rooms
The kitchen was light and spacious.The office was a big light room at the back of the house.4 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.
not 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.5 if something is light, there is not very much of it or it is not very great [≠ 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
not great
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 radiation6 light clothes are thin and not very warm : She took a light sweater in case the evening was cool. a light summer coat
clothes
She took a light sweater in case the evening was cool.a light summer coat7 a light wind is blowing without much force [≠ strong]: Leaves were blowing about in the light wind. There was a light easterly breeze.
wind
Leaves were blowing about in the light wind.There was a light easterly breeze.8 a light sound is very quiet [≠ loud]: There was a light tap at the door. Her voice was light and pleasant.
sound
There was a light tap at the door.Her voice was light and pleasant.9 a light touch is gentle and soft : She gave him a light kiss on the cheek. He felt a light tap on his shoulder.
touch
She gave him a light kiss on the cheek.He felt a light tap on his shoulder.10 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.
work/exercise
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) DFDFD 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 [≠ rich]: We had a light white wine with the fish. a light, refreshing dessert a new light cheese spread with virtually no fat
We had a light white wine with the fish.a light, refreshing desserta new light cheese spread with virtually no fatb) a light meal is a small meal [≠ big]: I had a light lunch in town. a delicious light snack
I had a light lunch in town.a delicious light snackc) food that is light contains a lot of air : a type of light, sweet bread Beat the mixture until it is light and fluffy.
a type of light, sweet breadBeat the mixture until it is light and fluffy.12 a light punishment is not very severe [≠ harsh]: a fairly light sentence
punishment
a fairly light sentence15 someone who wakes up easily if there is any noise etc : She's quite a light sleeper.
a light sleeper
She's quite a light sleeper.16 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 The show looks at some of the lighter moments from the world of politics.
not serious
His speech gradually became lighter in tone.an evening of light musicThe show looks at some of the lighter moments from the world of politics.17 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!
light relief
I'm glad you've arrived - we could all do with a little light relief!18 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.
make light of something
She tried to make light of the situation, but I could tell that she was worried.19 used when you are going to say something less sad or serious : On a lighter note, the concert raised over £300 for school funds.
on a lighter note/in a lighter vein
On a lighter note, the concert raised over £300 for school funds.20 to do something or deal with something quickly and easily : A freezer and microwave oven can make light work of cooking.
make light work of something
A freezer and microwave oven can make light work of cooking.21 to be able to move quickly and gracefully : She's very agile and light on her feet.
be light on your feet
She's very agile and light on her feet.22 someone who has a light heart feels happy and not worried : I set off for work with a light heart. ➔ light-hearted
a light heart
literaryI set off for work with a light heart.23 light soil is easy to break into small pieces [≠ heavy]: Carrots grow well in light soils.
soil
TASCarrots grow well in light soils. —lightness noun [uncountable] a lightness of touch
a lightness of touch