1
as in slightness
the state or quality of having little weight
the first thing I noticed about the little bird was its lightness; I could hardly tell I was holding it in my hand
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2
as in cheerfulness
a lack of seriousness often at an improper time
the inappropriate lightness of the anchorman's tone while he was reading the story of the freak accident in which people had died
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as in brightness
the quality or state of having or giving off light
the photographer was concerned that the lightness of the background would cast the main subject into shadow
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Recent Examples of lightness
Rhonda Richford, WWD, 27 Jan. 2025
Plunkett, so adept at channeling great pain through layers of gauzy lightness, reveals the depths of the character’s fear and avoidance when Ella asks if Joy will be present for her death.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2025
The result is a robust overall runtime that nonetheless gives you a sense of lightness.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 18 Feb. 2025
In moments of lightness, the whole world was illuminated, and everything in sight seemed to bend in her direction.
—Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightness
Noun
Fluidity of tissues, movements, amplitude, lightness, comfort.
—Rhonda Richford, WWD, 27 Jan. 2025
Plunkett, so adept at channeling great pain through layers of gauzy lightness, reveals the depths of the character’s fear and avoidance when Ella asks if Joy will be present for her death.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2025
The result is a robust overall runtime that nonetheless gives you a sense of lightness.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 18 Feb. 2025
In moments of lightness, the whole world was illuminated, and everything in sight seemed to bend in her direction.
—Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightness
Cite this Entry
“Lightness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lightness. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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