lightness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lightness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quality of being light in weight, or a state of being cheerful and carefree. Example: "The lightness of the fabric made it perfect for summer wear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Lifestyle

Books

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If you're after louche lightness from your indie then the new single from Ducktails, aka Real Estate's Matt Mondanile, should be aptly ambient after the disconcerting Daughn Gibson.

The Guardian - Music

There is also a lightness of touch and an element of humour that runs through it.

The Guardian - Film

Without the hassle and expense of buying a bottle of Cointreau or brandy, or fretting about whether you have achieved the correct gossamer lightness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ralph is a villain who lacks the villainous gene, a heavy who dreams of lightness.

The Guardian - Film

There is often a fragility and lightness to it, unlike the richer colours of the sunset.

The Guardian

The book is unrelentingly bleak, copping to misery early on: "one of our first sacrifices to family life was lightness of heart".

The Guardian - Books

But he had lost his comic lightness of touch and decent parts were rare, although he relished his role as the Senator in Nicolas Roeg's Insignificance (1985).

The Guardian - Film

The power of the writing, in short, present tense bursts gives a surprising lightness to this compelling narrative.

The Guardian - Books

In fact, as the weeks went on, I felt an odd sense of relief and lightness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To achieve the desired lightness, don't overwork the batter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Stories of courage and anguish leap out from the pages of novels by Milan Kundera ("The Unbearable Lightness of Being"), Josef Skvorecky ("The Engineer of Human Souls") and Ivan Klima ("Judge on Trial").

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, consider using "lightness" to convey a sense of freedom from burden or worry. For example, "the lightness of heart after resolving a conflict".

Common error

Avoid using "lightness" when you simply mean "light", as "lightness" refers to the quality or state of being light, while "light" is the actual illumination.

Linguistic Context

The noun "lightness" functions primarily as an abstract noun, denoting a quality or state. It is used to describe the condition of being light in weight, illuminated, or free from burden. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatility in describing both physical and emotional states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Lifestyle

10%

Books

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lightness" is a versatile noun with multiple meanings, ranging from physical weight to emotional state. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts. It is important to choose the right alternative like "weightlessness" or "levity", depending on the intended meaning. When writing, be mindful of confusing "lightness" with "light". By understanding its nuances and potential applications, you can effectively use "lightness" in your writing to convey a sense of ease, clarity, or emotional well-being.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weightlessness

Focuses specifically on the lack of weight, a physical attribute.

airiness

Implies a quality of being light and delicate, often in texture or feeling.

buoyancy

Suggests the ability to float or rise, both literally and figuratively.

levity

Refers to a lack of seriousness; a lighthearted or frivolous attitude.

delicacy

Emphasizes fineness and fragility, often in reference to texture or handling.

etherealness

Suggests a quality of being light, airy, and almost otherworldly.

illumination

Highlights the aspect of being lit up or enlightened.

transparency

Emphasizes clarity and lack of opacity.

cheerfulness

Highlights the aspect of being happy and optimistic.

ease

Indicates a lack of difficulty or effort.

FAQs

How can "lightness" be used in a sentence?

"Lightness" can describe the quality of being not heavy, the quality of being bright, or a state of happiness and lack of worry. For example, "The "lightness of the fabric" made it perfect for summer wear" or "She felt a sense of "lightness of spirit" after the good news".

What is the difference between "lightness" and "brightness"?

"Lightness" often refers to a quality of being not heavy or a state of emotional ease, while "brightness" specifically refers to the intensity of light or color. You might speak of the "brightness" of the sun or the "lightness" of a feather.

Which is a better description for lack of weight, "lightness" or "weightlessness"?

Both "lightness" and "weightlessness" can describe a lack of weight, but "weightlessness" is more specific and usually refers to a state of being without apparent weight, such as in space. "Lightness" is a more general term.

What can I say instead of "lightness of heart"?

You can use alternatives like "joyfulness", "cheerfulness", or "happiness" to express a similar sentiment, depending on the context.