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light · noun /lɑɪt/Full view
Nouns: light, lighter, lighting, lightness
Adjectives: light
Verbs: light, lighten
Adverbs: lightly
light (EQUIPMENT)
A2 C a piece of equipment which produces light, such as a lamp or a light bulb
Dictionary examples:

Could you turn the light on/off, please?

She could see the city lights in the distance.

As the lights went down, the audience grew quiet.

My front bike light isn't working.

Learner example:

Dear Nick I'm writing about the concert at school. [...] I can help you on Saturday morning to [set up] the light[s] and equipment. (Key English Test; A2; French)

light (BRIGHTNESS)
B1 U the brightness that comes from the sun, fire, etc. and from electrical devices, and that allows things to be seen
Dictionary examples:

bright light

Light was streaming in through the windows.

This room faces north, so it doesn't get much light.

Learner example:

I have to buy a lamp for my desk because I don't have much light. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

come to light
C2 If information about something comes to light, it is learned or discovered.
Dictionary example:

She knew that the fraud would eventually come to light.

Learner example:

Nevertheless, during the time they are in the forest, it comes to light that Edward is the weaker character. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

in (the) light of sth
C1 If something is done or happens in the light of facts, it is done or happens because of those facts.
Dictionary example:

In light of the problems we’re having, we have no choice but to close the business.

Learner example:

In light of all the things mentioned above, I strongly recommend Alexandra for the job. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Romanian)

bring (sth) to light
C2 If information is brought to light, it is learned or discovered.
Dictionary example:

Her research has brought to light new information about Jefferson’s early life.

Learner example:

The evening investigation which was carried out by [the] mysterious Inspector brought all these facts to light. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Polish)

shed light on
C2 to provide new information about something that makes it easier to understand
Dictionary example:

As an economist, he was able to shed some light on the situation.

Learner example:

A study of them might shed light on this unique process of adaptation, and may help improve it in the future. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

light · adjective /lɑɪt/
Nouns: light, lighter, lighting, lightness
Adjectives: light
Verbs: light, lighten
Adverbs: lightly
light (PALE)
A1 Light colors are pale.
Dictionary example:

light blue/green

Learner example:

I am going to paint it light blue. (Key English Test; A2; Portuguese)

light (NOT HEAVY)
A2 not heavy
Dictionary examples:

a light summer dress

Here, take this suitcase - it's pretty light.

He's a few pounds lighter than he used to be.

Learner example:

I bought a coat. I bought it because is very light. (Key English Test; A2; Spanish)

light (BRIGHT)
B1 lit by the natural light of the day
Dictionary examples:

It gets light very early these summer mornings.

In July, it stays light until almost 9:00 p.m.

Let's finish the work while it's still light enough to see.

Learner example:

In the center of the town, streets are narrow and in many cases, they [ar]en't light enough. (First Certificate in English; B2; Danish)

light (NOT MUCH)
B1 small in amount
Dictionary examples:

A light breeze was blowing.

Traffic was light so we got home pretty quickly.

It's just a light rain.

I don't eat much for lunch - just a light snack.

Learner example:

The weather here is very warm and sunny with [a] light breeze. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Arabic)

make light of sth
C2 to talk or behave as if you do not think a problem is serious
Dictionary example:

I just laughed and tried to make light of it.

Learner example:

They project an optimistic image and make light of the troubles in life. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Chinese)

light · verb /lɑɪt/
Nouns: light, lighter, lighting, lightness
Adjectives: light
Verbs: light, lighten
Adverbs: lightly
light (START FLAMES)
B1 I or T to start to burn or to make something start to burn
Dictionary examples:

to light a fire

I can't get the barbecue to light.

I tried to light the fire, but the wood was wet.

Learner example:

We [put up] the tents and lit the fire. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Portuguese)

light (MAKE BRIGHT)
B2 T to produce light somewhere so that you can see things
Dictionary examples:

Fireworks lit up the sky.

A lantern hanging from a tree branch lit our campsite.

Learner example:

Lightning lit up my bedroom and I saw a shadow moving outside the house. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

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