lucidity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'lucidity' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe the quality of being clear or logically organized. For example, "The professor's lectures demonstrated a remarkable lucidity, making the material easy to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Retrospective reports confirm that the dreamer really was lucid and signaled lucidity (Dresler et al. 2012; Stumbrys et al. 2014).

SEP

He carried lucidity to the point of obfuscation, even beyond it to somewhere near dementia.

The Guardian

The only way you will see the situation with any kind of lucidity is to step away from it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But then, in moments of horrifying lucidity, I remember my own pre-internet teen years and I realise all too keenly that regardless of where you are, adolescence is, for the majority, about experimenting and taking risks.

The Guardian - Opinion

We were newly engaged and lying on Curl Curl beach on the coast of New South Wales, Australia, when we experienced one of those rare moments of lucidity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Complex thoughts are set forth with a lucidity that conceals the depth of the intellectual analysis.

The Economist

One question looms especially large: will it be possible to sustain the common agricultural policy (which makes the stability pact look like a model of lucidity and good sense) once the newcomers are in?

The Economist

His windows of lucidity are shrinking; loyal minders frequently rephrase his words so they make sense.

The Economist

Chief Justice Roberts, whose opinions are generally worth reading for the lucidity of his prose alone (the same cannot be said, alas, for Justice Kagan's), tartly and talmudically notes that the court invokes the ban on "cruel and unusual punishments...to ban a punishment that the Court itself does not characterise as unusual, and that could not plausibly be described as such".

The Economist

But most people would happily take an extra two years of lucidity, if it were on offer.Those who are daunted by cryptic clues need not be disheartened.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He talks of a need for "demographic lucidity .In this section Back into the fold What a pity.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lucidity" to describe a state of clear understanding or expression, especially when contrasting it with confusion or ambiguity. For example, 'The patient experienced moments of "lucidity" amidst the confusion of his illness.'

Common error

Avoid using "lucidity" when simple clarity will suffice. "Lucidity" often implies a deeper, more profound or insightful clarity, not just a superficial understanding. For example, saying 'The instructions lacked "lucidity"' might be better phrased as 'The instructions lacked clarity'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "lucidity" is that of a noun. It refers to the quality of being easily understood or the state of having a clear mind. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct term and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lucidity" is a noun denoting the quality of clearness, particularly in thought or expression. As Ludwig AI accurately points out, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, from academic writing and scientific discourse to news reporting. While "clarity" may suffice in simpler contexts, "lucidity" implies a deeper, more profound understanding. Common synonyms include "clarity of thought", "mental clarity", and "clearness of mind". When aiming for precision and a touch of formality, "lucidity" is an excellent choice. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The Economist and Encyclopedia Britannica further solidifies its credibility and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarity of thought

Focuses on the clarity aspect, specifically related to thinking processes.

mental clarity

Highlights the mental aspect of being clear and focused.

clearness of mind

Emphasizes the state of having a clear and uncluttered mind.

transparency

Shifts focus to openness and lack of concealment, implying clarity.

comprehensibility

Indicates the quality of being easily understood.

intelligibility

Similar to comprehensibility, referring to the ability to be understood.

precision

Focuses on accuracy and exactness, contributing to clarity.

coherence

Highlights the logical and consistent connection of ideas.

perspicuity

Refers to clearness and ease of understanding, often in writing or speech.

explicitness

Emphasizes clarity through direct and unambiguous expression.

FAQs

How can I use "lucidity" in a sentence?

"Lucidity" can describe clarity of thought, expression, or a state of awareness. For example, 'The speaker presented the complex ideas with remarkable "lucidity",' or 'During moments of "lucidity", the patient could recall events from years ago.'

What are some synonyms for "lucidity"?

Alternatives to "lucidity" include "clarity", "clearness", "comprehension", "intelligibility", and "perspicuity". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "lucidity" to describe a dream state?

Yes, "lucidity" is often used to describe the state of being aware that one is dreaming, known as a lucid dream. This usage is well-established and accurate.

What's the difference between "lucidity" and "clarity"?

While both terms relate to clearness, "lucidity" often implies a deeper, more insightful understanding or expression. "Clarity" generally refers to simple clearness, while "lucidity" can suggest a profound or insightful understanding that cuts through confusion or complexity.