lightness

1 of 2

noun (1)

light·​ness ˈlīt-nəs 

1

: the quality or state of being illuminated

the lightness [=brightness] of the room/sky

2

a

: the attribute of object colors by which the object appears to reflect or transmit more or less of the incident light compare brightness sense 2, hue sense 2c, saturation sense 4

b

: the quality or state of having or being a light (see light entry 2 sense 2a) skin color

"As long as there's White racism, there will be racism within the Black community and favoritism for lightness."

—Midge Wilson

Elmore had a very fair complexion. And while he had never used the lightness of his skin to pass as white, the clerk who took his voter registration paperwork never asked the question. And just like that, George Elmore registered to vote.

—Antjuan Seawright

lightness

2 of 2

noun (2)

1

: the quality or state of being light especially in weight

2

: lack of seriousness and stability of character often accompanied by casual heedlessness

3

a

: the quality or state of being nimble

b

: an ease and gaiety of style or manner

4

: a lack of weightiness or force : delicacy

Synonyms of lightness

Noun (1)

• brightness
• brilliancy
• brilliance

Noun (2)

• slightness
• weightlessness

Examples of lightness in a Sentence

Noun (1)

the photographer was concerned that the lightness of the background would cast the main subject into shadow

Noun (2)

the first thing I noticed about the little bird was its lightness; I could hardly tell I was holding it in my hand

the inappropriate lightness of the anchorman's tone while he was reading the story of the freak accident in which people had died

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But there was lightness in that time, too. —Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 18 Mar. 2026

Recent mill collections have highlighted the diverse aesthetics these fibers can bring to denim—some introduce a subtle texture or lightness, while others enhance the fabric with distinctive tactile effects. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 17 Mar. 2026

The pizza dough was dialed in, sporting the lightness and crispiness of a New York pizza combined with the chew and the fermented tang of Californian Neapolitan pizza. —Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 17 Mar. 2026

The ankle-revealing design adds lightness to any look, which is ideal for midi-skirts in soft colors, airy materials, pleats, or other delicate details. —René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lightness

• brightness
• rightness
• tightness
• whiteness
• politeness
• uprightness