light
Definitions
Brightness from the sun, fire, or a lamp that makes things visible
光，光线（使物体可见的明亮）
A device or source that produces brightness, such as a lamp
灯，光源
To set burning; to give light to
点燃；照亮
Not heavy; easy to lift or carry
轻的，不重的
Pale in color; full of brightness
（颜色）浅的；明亮的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedOne spelling, two unrelated Old English ancestors. lēoht meant 'brightness' (the light of the sun, a light to read by). līht meant 'not heavy' (a light bag). They merged in form but never in meaning, so context decides: brightness or weight.
Root light still carries 58 more wordsWhy It Means This
The two meanings really are two different words that collapsed into one spelling. 'Bright' light and 'not heavy' light share no ancestor — Old English lēoht (shining) and līht (weighing little) just ended up identical. That's why a single English word can answer two unrelated questions: 'how bright?' and 'how heavy?'
Common Collocations
- 1.turn on the light开灯
- 2.in the light of根据……，鉴于……
- 3.a ray of light一束光
- 4.light a fire点火
- 5.a light meal清淡的一餐
Example Sentences
- 1.
She switched on the light and the dark room came alive.
- 2.
Sunlight poured through the window, filling the room with light.
- 3.
He lit a match to light the candle on the table.
- 4.
This jacket is so light you barely feel it on your shoulders.
- 5.
We had a light meal before the long drive home.