jp to me 2011

light [lit]

noun
1 the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible: the light of the sun | [in sing.] the street lamps shed a faint light into the room.
• a source of illumination, esp. an electric lamp : a light came on in his room.
• (lights) decorative illuminations : Christmas lights.
• a traffic light : turn right at the light.
• [in sing.] an expression in someone’s eyes indicating a particular emotion or mood : a shrewd light entered his eyes.
• the amount or quality of light in a place : the plant requires good light | in some lights she could look beautiful.
2 understanding of a problem or mystery; enlightenment: she saw light dawn on the woman’s face.
• spiritual illumination by divine truth.
• (lights) a person’s opinions, standards, and abilities : leaving the police to do the job according to their lights.
• light – clarity, as in shed light on – make free from confusion or ambiguity; make clear; Could you shed some light on this subject?
3 an area of something that is brighter or paler than its surroundings: sunshine will brighten the natural lights in your hair.
4 a match or lighter that produces a flame or spark.
• the flame produced : he asked me for a light.
5 a window or opening in a wall to let light in.
• any of the perpendicular divisions of a mullioned window.
• any of the panes of glass forming the roof or side of a greenhouse or the top of a cold frame.
6 a person notable or eminent in a particular sphere of activity or place: such lights of Liberalism as the historian Goldwin Smith.

verb ( past and past part. lit |lit| or lighted ) [ trans.]
1 provide with light or lighting; illuminate: the room was lighted by a number of small lamps | lightning suddenly lit up the house.
• switch on (an electric light) : only one of the table lamps was lit.
• [intrans.] (light up) become illuminated : the sign to fasten seat belts lit up.
2 make (something) start burning; ignite: Allen gathered sticks and lit a fire | [as adj.] (lighted or lit) a lighted cigarette.
• [intrans.] begin to burn; be ignited : the gas wouldn’t light properly.
• (light something up) ignite a cigarette, cigar, or pipe and begin to smoke it : she lit up a cigarette and puffed on it serenely | [ intrans. ] workers who light up in prohibited areas face dismissal.

adjective
1 of little weight; easy to lift: they are very light and portable | you’re as light as a feather.
• deficient in weight, esp. by a specified amount : the sack of potatoes is 5 pounds light.
• not strongly or heavily built or constructed; small of its kind : light, impractical clothes | light armor.
• carrying or suitable for small loads : light commercial vehicles.
• carrying only light armaments : light infantry.
2 relatively low in density, amount, or intensity: passenger traffic was light | light summer breezes | trading was light for most of the day.
• (of sleep or a sleeper) easily disturbed.
• easily borne or done : he received a relatively light sentence | some light housework.
3 gentle or delicate: she planted a light kiss on his cheek | my breathing was steady and light.
• (of a building) having an appearance suggestive of lightness : the building is lofty and light in its tall nave and choir.
• (of type) having thin strokes; not bold.
4 (of entertainment) requiring little mental effort; not profound or serious: pop is thought of as light entertainment | some light reading.
• not serious or solemn : his tone was light.
• free from worry or unhappiness; cheerful : I left the island with a light heart.
5 archaic (of a woman) unchaste; promiscuous.