Light vs. Heavy — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 9, 2024
Light items have lower mass and are easier to move, whereas heavy items have higher mass and require more effort to transport.
Difference Between Light and Heavy
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Light objects are characterized by their relatively low mass, making them easy to lift and transport. On the other hand, heavy objects have a greater mass, which results in increased difficulty in moving or lifting them.
The concept of lightness often implies ease of handling and flexibility in various contexts, such as light clothing or light workloads. Whereas, heaviness is associated with robustness, durability, or substantial effort, evident in heavy machinery or heavy lifting.
In physics, lightness can be associated with objects of lower density or those that are subject to less gravitational force. Conversely, heavy objects are denser or exert a stronger gravitational pull, making them more challenging to manipulate.
The perception of light versus heavy can also be influenced by the context or comparison. For example, a light rain is gentle and sparse, while a heavy rain is intense and abundant.
Cultural and subjective interpretations play a role as well; what is considered light or heavy can vary greatly depending on personal experience and cultural standards. For instance, a meal considered light in one culture might be deemed heavy in another.
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Comparison Chart
Mass
Lower
Higher
Ease of Movement
Easier to move or transport
Requires more effort to move or transport
Density
Often lower density
Often higher density
Gravitational Force
Subject to less gravitational pull
Exerts stronger gravitational pull
Perception and Context
Associated with ease, flexibility
Associated with robustness, durability
Compare with Definitions
Light
Low in mass
Feathers are light and float easily in the air.
Heavy
High in mass
The heavy stone was difficult to move without equipment.
Light
Not dense or heavy
Light materials like balsa wood are ideal for crafting model airplanes.
Heavy
Dense or thick
Heavy fog made driving conditions dangerous.
Light
Gentle or soft
She prefers a light touch when applying makeup.
Heavy
Severe or intense
The discussion turned into a heavy debate.
Light
Easily bearable
After the heavy meal, they opted for a light dessert.
Heavy
Rich or substantial in quantity
The meal was heavy, leaving them feeling full for hours.
Light
Low in intensity or severity
They enjoyed a light workout in the morning.
Heavy
Burdensome or demanding
He felt a heavy responsibility as the team leader.
Light
Light or visible light is electromagnetic radiation within the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is perceived by the human eye. Visible light is usually defined as having wavelengths in the range of 400–700 nanometres (nm), between the infrared (with longer wavelengths) and the ultraviolet (with shorter wavelengths).
Heavy
Of great weight; difficult to lift or move
A heavy and bulky load
The pan was too heavy for me to carry
Light
The natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible
The light of the sun
The lamps in the street shed a faint light into the room
Heavy
Of great density; thick or substantial
Heavy horn-rimmed glasses
Heavy grey clouds
Light
An expression in someone's eyes indicating a particular emotion or mood
A shrewd light entered his eyes
Heavy
Of more than the usual size, amount, or intensity
A heavy cold
I fell into a heavy sleep
The traffic was heavy and I was delayed
Light
Understanding of a problem or mystery; enlightenment
She saw light dawn on the woman's face
Heavy
Striking or falling with force
A heavy blow to the head
We had heavy overnight rain
Light
An area of something that is brighter or paler than its surroundings
Sunshine will brighten the natural lights in your hair
Heavy
Needing much physical effort
Heavy work like repairing pathways
Light
A device used to produce a flame or spark
He asked me for a light
Heavy
Very important or serious
A heavy discussion
Light
A window or opening to let light in
The bedroom has a wide bay with leaded lights
Heavy
A thing, such as a vehicle, that is large or heavy of its kind.
Light
A person eminent in a particular sphere of activity
Such lights of Liberalism as the historian Goldwin Smith
Heavy
Strong beer, especially bitter
A pint of heavy
Light
(in a crossword puzzle) a blank space to be filled by a letter.
Heavy
Heavily
Heavy-laden
Light
Provide with light or lighting; illuminate
Lightning suddenly lit up the house
The room was lit by a number of small lamps
Heavy
Having relatively great weight
A heavy load.
Light
Make (something) start burning; ignite
Allen gathered sticks and lit a fire
Heavy
Having relatively high density; having a high specific gravity.
Light
Come upon or discover by chance
He lit on a possible solution
Heavy
Large, as in number or quantity
A heavy turnout.
Heavy casualties.
Light
Descend
From the horse he lit down
Heavy
Large in yield or output
Heavy rainfall.
Light
Having a considerable or sufficient amount of natural light; not dark
The bedrooms are light and airy
Heavy
Of great intensity
Heavy activity.
Heavy fighting.
Light
(of a colour) pale
Her eyes were light blue
Heavy
Having great power or force
A heavy punch.
Light
Of little weight; not heavy
They are very light and portable
Light alloy wheels
You're as light as a feather
Heavy
Violent; rough
Heavy seas.
Light
Not strongly or heavily built or made
Light armour
Light, impractical clothes
Heavy
Equipped with massive armaments and weapons
A heavy cruiser.
Heavy infantry.
Light
Relatively low in density, amount, or intensity
Light autumn rains
Passenger traffic was light
Heavy
Large enough to fire powerful shells
Heavy guns.
Light
(of food or a meal) small in quantity and easy to digest
A light supper
Heavy
Indulging to a great degree
A heavy drinker.
Light
Gentle or delicate
She planted a light kiss on his cheek
My breathing was steady and light
Heavy
Involved or participating on a large scale
A heavy investor.
Light
(of entertainment) requiring little mental effort; not profound or serious
Pop is thought of as light entertainment
Some light reading
Heavy
Of great import or seriousness; grave
Heavy matters of state.
Light
Electromagnetic radiation that is visible, perceivable by the normal human eye as colors between red and violet, having frequencies between 400 terahertz and 790 terahertz and wavelengths between 750 nanometers and 380 nanometers. Also called visible light.
Heavy
Having considerable thickness
A heavy coat.
Light
Electromagnetic radiation of any frequency or wavelength.
Heavy
Broad or coarse
Drew the face with heavy lines.
Light
The sensation of perceiving light; brightness
A sudden light that made me blink.
Heavy
Dense; thick
A heavy fog.
Light
A source of light, especially a lamp, a lantern, or an electric lighting fixture
Turn out the lights when you leave.
Heavy
Slow to dissipate; strong
"There was a heavy fragrance of flowers and lemon trees" (Mario Puzo).
Light
The illumination derived from a source of light
By the light of the moon.
Heavy
Too dense or rich to digest easily
A heavy dessert.
Light
The particular quantity or quality of such illumination
Moved the lamp closer to get better light.
Heavy
Insufficiently leavened
Heavy bread.
Light
The pathway or route of such illumination to a person
You're standing in his light.
Heavy
Full of clay and readily saturated
Heavy soil.
Light
A source of fire, such as a match or cigarette lighter.
Heavy
Weighed down; burdened
Trees heavy with plums.
Light
A mechanical device that uses illumination as a signal or warning, especially a beacon or traffic signal.
Heavy
Emotionally weighed down; despondent
A heavy heart.
Light
Daylight.
Heavy
Marked by or exhibiting weariness
Heavy lids.
Light
Dawn; daybreak.
Heavy
Sad or painful
Heavy news.
Light
Something, such as a window, that admits illumination.
Heavy
Hard to do or accomplish; arduous
Heavy going.
Heavy reading.
Light
(Architecture) One of two or more openings in a window divided by a mullion or mullions.
Heavy
Not easily borne; oppressive
Heavy taxes.
Light
Something that provides information or clarification
Research that produced little new light on the question.
Heavy
Lacking vitality; deficient in vivacity or grace
A heavy gait.
Heavy humor.
Light
A state of awareness or understanding, especially as derived from a particular source
In the light of experience.
Heavy
Sharply inclined; steep
A heavy grade.
Light
Public attention; general knowledge
Brought the scandal to light.
Heavy
Having a large capacity or designed for rough work
A heavy truck.
Light
Spiritual awareness; illumination.
Heavy
Of, relating to, or involving the large-scale production of basic products, such as steel
Heavy industry.
Light
A way of looking at or considering a matter; an aspect
Saw the situation in a different light.
Heavy
Of or relating to a serious dramatic role.
Light
(Archaic) Eyesight.
Heavy
(Physics) Of or relating to an isotope with an atomic mass greater than the average mass of that element.
Light
Lights One's individual opinions, choices, or standards
Acted according to their own lights.
Heavy
Loud; sonorous
A heavy sound.
Heavy breathing.
Light
A person who inspires or is adored by another
My daughter is the light of my life.
Heavy
(Linguistics) Of, relating to, or being a syllable ending in a long vowel or in a vowel plus two consonants.
Light
A prominent or distinguished person; a luminary
One of the leading lights of the theater.
Heavy
Of great significance or profundity.
Light
An expression of the eyes
A strange light in her eyes.
Heavy
Very popular or important
A rock star who is really heavy.
Light
Lights Pieces of laundry that are not dark in color.
Heavy
Heavily
The snow is falling heavier tonight than last night.
Light
Light In Quaker doctrine, the guiding spirit or divine presence in each person.
Heavy
A serious or tragic role in a play.
Light
To set on fire; ignite or kindle
Lit the kindling.
Heavy
An actor playing such a role.
Light
To cause to give out light; make luminous
Lit a lamp.
Heavy
(Slang) A villain in a story or play.
Light
To provide, cover, or fill with light; illuminate
Fireworks lighting the sky.
Heavy
(Slang) A mobster.
Light
To signal, direct, or guide with light
"You'd ... set the lamp in the dormer window to light him home through the storm" (Edith Nesbit).
Heavy
(Slang) One that is very important or influential
A media heavy.
Light
To enliven or animate
A smile lit her face.
Heavy
(of a physical object) Having great weight.
Light
To start to burn; be ignited or kindled
Green wood does not light easily.
Heavy
(of a topic) Serious, somber.
Light
To emit light; be lighted
Wait until the indicator lights up.
Heavy
Not easy to bear; burdensome; oppressive.
Heavy yokes, expenses, undertakings, trials, news, etc.
Light
To get down, as from a vehicle or horse; dismount.
Heavy
Good.
This film is heavy.
Light
To descend to the ground after flight; land.
Heavy
Profound.
The Moody Blues are, like, heavy.
Light
To come upon one unexpectedly
Misfortune lighted upon him.
Heavy
(of a rate of flow) High, great.
Light
To come upon by chance or accident. Used with on or upon
Lit on the perfect solution to the problem.
Heavy
(slang) Armed.
Come heavy, or not at all.
Light
Having a greater rather than lesser degree of lightness.
Heavy
(of music) Loud, distorted, or intense.
Metal is heavier than rock.
Light
Of or being an additive primary color.
Heavy
(of weather) Hot and humid.
Light
Characterized by or filled with light; bright
A room that is light when the shutters are open.
Heavy
(of a person) Doing the specified activity more intensely than most other people.
He was a heavy sleeper, a heavy eater and a heavy smoker – certainly not an ideal husband.
Light
Not dark in color; fair
Light hair and skin.
Heavy
(of the eyes) With eyelids difficult to keep open due to tiredness.
Light
Served with milk or cream. Used of coffee.
Heavy
(of food) High in fat or protein; difficult to digest.
Cheese-stuffed sausage is too heavy to eat before exercising.
Light
Of relatively little weight; not heavy
A light load.
Heavy
Of great force, power, or intensity; deep or intense.
It was a heavy storm;
A heavy slumber in bed;
A heavy punch
Light
Of relatively little weight for its size or bulk
Balsa is a light wood.
Heavy
Laden to a great extent.
His eyes were heavy with sleep;
She was heavy with child
Light
Of less than the correct, standard, or legal weight
A light pound.
Heavy
Laden with that which is weighty; encumbered; burdened; bowed down, either with an actual burden, or with grief, pain, disappointment, etc.
Light
Designed for ease and quickness of movement; having a structure that is slim and has little weight for its type or class
Light aircraft.
Heavy
Slow; sluggish; inactive; or lifeless, dull, inanimate, stupid.
A heavy gait, looks, manners, style, etc.
A heavy writer or book
Light
Designed to carry relatively little weight
Light trucks.
Heavy
Impeding motion; cloggy; clayey.
A heavy road; a heavy soil
Light
Carrying little equipment or armament
Light cavalry.
Heavy
Not raised or leavened.
Heavy bread
Light
Requiring relatively little equipment and using relatively simple processes to produce consumer goods
Light industry.
Heavy
(of wines or spirits) Having much body or strength.
Light
Exerting little force or impact; gentle
A light pat.
Heavy
(obsolete) With child; pregnant.
Light
Indistinct; faint
Light print that I could barely make out.
Heavy
(physics) Containing one or more isotopes that are heavier than the normal one.
Light
Low in quantity or intensity
Light traffic.
Light snow.
Heavy
(petroleum) Having high viscosity.
Light
Consuming or using relatively moderate amounts; abstemious
A light eater.
A light smoker.
Heavy
(finance) Of a market: in which the price of shares is declining.
Light
Not harsh or severe
Gave the offender a light sentence.
Heavy
Heavily-armed.
Light
Moving easily and quickly; nimble
You're very light on your feet.
Heavy
Having a relatively high takeoff weight and payload,
Light
Easy to perform or accomplish; requiring little effort
Light chores.
Heavy
Especially, having a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 300,000 tons, as almost all widebodies do, generating high wake turbulence.
Light
Easy to bear or endure
A light tax.
Heavy
Having the heaves.
A heavy horse
Light
Having little importance; insignificant
Light conversation.
Heavy
In a heavy manner; weightily; heavily; gravely.
Heavy laden with their sins
Light
Intended primarily as entertainment and lacking serious or weighty content
A light comedy.
Heavy
To a great degree; greatly.
Light
Not solemn or serious
Spoke in a light manner of the situation.
Heavy
Very
Light
Free from worries or troubles; blithe
A light heart.
Heavy
(slang) A villain or bad guy; the one responsible for evil or aggressive acts.
With his wrinkled, uneven face, the actor always seemed to play the heavy in films.
Light
Mildly dizzy or faint
Felt light in the head.
Heavy
(slang) A doorman, bouncer or bodyguard.
A fight started outside the bar but the heavies came out and stopped it.
Light
Easily awakened or disturbed
A light sleeper.
Heavy
A newspaper of the quality press.
Light
Easily digested
A light supper.
Heavy
(aviation) A relatively large multi-engined aircraft.
Light
Containing a relatively small amount of a potentially harmful ingredient, such as alcohol, fat, or sodium
Light beer.
Light mayonnaise.
Heavy
(often with "up") To make heavier.
They piled their goods on the donkey's back, heavying up an already backbreaking load.
Light
Having a spongy or flaky texture; well-leavened
Light pastries.
Heavy
To sadden. en
Light
Having a loose, porous consistency
Light soil.
Heavy
To use power or wealth to exert influence on, e.g., governments or corporations; to pressure.
The union was well known for the methods it used to heavy many businesses.
Light
Of, relating to, or being a syllable ending in a short vowel or a short vowel plus a consonant.
Heavy
Having the heaves.
Light
Of, relating to, or being a vowel or syllable pronounced with little or no stress.
Heavy
Heaved or lifted with labor; not light; weighty; ponderous; as, a heavy stone; hence, sometimes, large in extent, quantity, or effects; as, a heavy fall of rain or snow; a heavy failure; heavy business transactions, etc.; often implying strength; as, a heavy barrier; also, difficult to move; as, a heavy draught.
Light
In a light manner; lightly.
Heavy
Not easy to bear; burdensome; oppressive; hard to endure or accomplish; hence, grievous, afflictive; as, heavy yokes, expenses, undertakings, trials, news, etc.
The hand of the Lord was heavy upon them of Ashdod.
The king himself hath a heavy reckoning to make.
Sent hither to impart the heavy news.
Trust him not in matter of heavy consequence.
Light
With little weight and few burdens
Traveling light.
Heavy
Laden with that which is weighty; encumbered; burdened; bowed down, either with an actual burden, or with care, grief, pain, disappointment.
The heavy [sorrowing] nobles all in council were.
A light wife doth make a heavy husband.
Light
Visible electromagnetic radiation. The human eye can typically detect radiation (light) in the wavelength range of about 400 to 750 nanometers. Nearby shorter and longer wavelength ranges, although not visible, are commonly called ultraviolet and infrared light.
As you can see, this spacious dining-room gets a lot of light in the mornings.
Heavy
Slow; sluggish; inactive; or lifeless, dull, inanimate, stupid; as, a heavy gait, looks, manners, style, and the like; a heavy writer or book.
Whilst the heavy plowman snores.
Of a heavy, dull, degenerate mind.
Neither [is] his ear heavy, that it can not hear.
Light
A source of illumination.
Put that light out!
Heavy
Strong; violent; forcible; as, a heavy sea, storm, cannonade, and the like.
Light
(figurative) Spiritual or mental illumination; enlightenment, useful information.
Can you throw any light on this problem?
Heavy
Loud; deep; - said of sound; as, heavy thunder.
But, hark! that heavy sound breaks in once more.
Light
Facts; pieces of information; ideas, concepts.
Heavy
Dark with clouds, or ready to rain; gloomy; - said of the sky.
Light
A notable person within a specific field or discipline.
Picasso was one of the leading lights of the cubist movement.
Heavy
Impeding motion; cloggy; clayey; - said of earth; as, a heavy road, soil, and the like.
Light
(painting) The manner in which the light strikes a picture; that part of a picture which represents those objects upon which the light is supposed to fall; the more illuminated part of a landscape or other scene; opposed to shade.
Heavy
Not raised or made light; as, heavy bread.
Light
A point of view, or aspect from which a concept, person or thing is regarded.
I'm really seeing you in a different light today.
Magoon's governorship in Cuba was viewed in a negative light by many Cuban historians for years thereafter.
Heavy
Not agreeable to, or suitable for, the stomach; not easily digested; - said of food.
Light
A flame or something used to create fire.
Hey, buddy, you got a light?
Heavy
Having much body or strength; - said of wines, or other liquors.
Light
A firework made by filling a case with a substance which burns brilliantly with a white or coloured flame.
A Bengal light
Heavy
With child; pregnant.
Light
A window in architecture, carriage design, or motor car design: either the opening itself or the window pane of glass that fills it, if any.
This facade has eight south-facing lights.
Heavy
Heavily; - sometimes used in composition; as, heavy-laden.
Light
The series of squares reserved for the answer to a crossword clue.
The average length of a light on a 15×15 grid is 7 or 8.
Heavy
To make heavy.
Light
(informal) A cross-light in a double acrostic or triple acrostic.
Heavy
An actor who plays villainous roles
Light
Open view; a visible state or condition; public observation; publicity.
Heavy
A serious (or tragic) role in a play
Light
The power of perception by vision.
Heavy
Of comparatively great physical weight or density;
A heavy load
Lead is a heavy metal
Heavy mahogony furniture
Light
The brightness of the eye or eyes.
Heavy
Unusually great in degree or quantity or number;
Heavy taxes
A heavy fine
Heavy casualties
Heavy losses
Heavy rain
Heavy traffic
Light
A traffic light, or, by extension, an intersection controlled by one or more that will face a traveler who is receiving instructions.
To get to our house, turn right at the third light.
Heavy
Of the military or industry; using (or being) the heaviest and most powerful armaments or weapons or equipment;
Heavy artillery
Heavy infantry
A heavy cruiser
Heavy guns
Heavy industry involves large-scale production of basic products (such as steel) used by other industries
Light
(curling) A stone that is not thrown hard enough.
Heavy
Having or suggesting a viscous consistency;
Heavy cream
Light
See lungs.
Heavy
Wide from side to side;
A heavy black mark
Light
A low-alcohol lager.
Heavy
Marked by great psychological weight; weighted down especially with sadness or troubles or weariness;
A heavy heart
A heavy schedule
Heavy news
A heavy silence
Heavy eyelids
Light
(transitive) To start (a fire).
We lit the fire to get some heat.
Heavy
Usually describes a large person who is fat but has a large frame to carry it
Light
(transitive) To set fire to; to set burning.
She lit her last match.
Heavy
(used of soil) compact and fine-grained;
The clayey soil was heavy and easily saturated
Light
(transitive) To illuminate; to provide light for when it is dark.
I used my torch to light the way home through the woods in the night.
Heavy
Darkened by clouds;
A heavy sky
Light
(intransitive) To become ignited; to take fire.
This soggy match will not light.
Heavy
Of great intensity or power or force;
A heavy blow
The fighting was heavy
Heavy seas
Light
To attend or conduct with a light; to show the way to by means of a light.
Heavy
(physics, chemistry) being or containing an isotope with greater than average atomic mass or weight;
Heavy hydrogen
Heavy water
Light
To make (a bonus) available to be collected by hitting a target, and thus light up the feature light corresponding to that bonus to indicate its availability.
Light' the extra ball by amassing 500 million points in the wizard mode.
Heavy
(of an actor or role) being or playing the villain;
Iago is the heavy role in `Othello'
Light
(nautical) To unload a ship, or to jettison material to make it lighter
Heavy
Permitting little if any light to pass through because of denseness of matter;
Dense smoke
Heavy fog
Impenetrable gloom
Light
To lighten; to ease of a burden; to take off.
Heavy
Made of fabric having considerable thickness;
A heavy coat
Light
To find by chance.
I lit upon a rare book in a second-hand bookseller's.
Heavy
Of a drinker or drinking; indulging intemperately;
Does a lot of hard drinking
A heavy drinker
Light
To stop upon of eyes or a glance; to notice
Heavy
Prodigious;
Big spender
Big eater
Heavy investor
Light
(archaic) To alight; to land or come down.
She fell out of the window but luckily lit on her feet.
Heavy
Used of syllables or musical beats
Light
Having light; bright; clear; not dark or obscure.
The room is light when the Sun shines through the window.
Heavy
Full and loud and deep;
Heavy sounds
A herald chosen for his sonorous voice
Light
Pale or whitish in color; highly luminous and more or less deficient in chroma.
She had light skin.
Heavy
Of great gravity or crucial import; requiring serious thought;
Grave responsibilities
Faced a grave decision in a time of crisis
A grievous fault
Heavy matters of state
The weighty matters to be discussed at the peace conference
Light
(of coffee) Served with extra milk or cream.
I like my coffee light.
Heavy
Slow and laborious because of weight;
The heavy tread of tired troops
Moved with a lumbering sag-bellied trot
Ponderous prehistoric beasts
A ponderous yawn
Light
Having little or relatively little actual weight; not cumbrous or unwieldy.
A light load ; a lighter backpack after having removed the books ; light weapons
Heavy
Large and powerful; especially designed for heavy loads or rough work;
A heavy truck
Heavy machinery
Light
Having little weight as compared with bulk; of little density or specific gravity.
Feathers and cork are light ; oil is lighter than water
Heavy
Dense or inadequately leavened and hence likely to cause distress in the alimentary canal;
A heavy pudding
Light
Of short or insufficient weight; weighing less than the legal, standard, or proper amount; clipped or diminished.
To issue light coin
Heavy
Sharply inclined;
A heavy grade
Light
Lacking that which burdens or makes heavy.
Heavy
Full of; bearing great weight;
Trees heavy with fruit
Vines weighed down with grapes
Light
Free from burden or impediment; unencumbered.
Heavy
Requiring or showing effort;
Heavy breathing
The subject made for labored reading
Light
Lightly built; typically designed for speed or small loads.
A light aircraft ; a light tank
Heavy
Characterized by toilsome effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort;
Worked their arduous way up the mining valley
A grueling campaign
Hard labor
Heavy work
Heavy going
Spent many laborious hours on the project
Set a punishing pace
Light
(military) Not heavily armed; armed with light weapons.
Light infantry; a troop of light horse
Heavy
Lacking lightness or liveliness;
Heavy humor
A leaden conversation
Light
Riding high because of no cargo; by extension, pertaining to a ship which is light.
If a ship is light or partially loaded ; the light draft of a vessel, or its light displacement
Heavy
(of sleep) deep and complete;
A heavy sleep
Fell into a profound sleep
A sound sleeper
Deep wakeless sleep
Light
Without any piece of equipment attached or attached only to a caboose.
The light locomotives ; a locomotive may be moved light
Heavy
In an advanced stage of pregnancy;
Was big with child
Was great with child
Light
With low viscosity.
Heavy
Slowly as if burdened by much weight;
Time hung heavy on their hands
Light
(cookery) Not heavy or soggy; spongy; well raised.
A light bread ; sponge cake is a light cake
Light
Low in fat, calories, alcohol, salt, etc.
This light beer still gets you drunk if you have enough of it.
Light
Slight, not forceful or intense; small in amount or intensity.
A light drizzle; a light rain was falling; a light snow set in
Light
Gentle; having little force or momentum.
This artist clearly had a light, flowing touch.
Light
Easy to endure or perform.
Light duties around the house
Light
Unimportant, trivial, having little value or significance.
I made some light comment, and we moved on.
Light
(obsolete) Unchaste, wanton.
Light
Not encumbered; unembarrassed; clear of impediments; hence, active; nimble; swift.
Light
(dated) Easily influenced by trifling considerations; unsteady; unsettled; volatile.
A light, vain person; a light mind
Light
Indulging in, or inclined to, levity; lacking dignity or solemnity; frivolous; airy.
Ogden Nash was a writer of light verse.
Light
Not quite sound or normal; somewhat impaired or deranged; dizzy; giddy.
Light
Easily interrupted by stimulation.
Light sleep; light anesthesia
Light
Carrying little.
I prefer to travel light.
Light
That agent, force, or action in nature by the operation of which upon the organs of sight, objects are rendered visible or luminous.
Light
That which furnishes, or is a source of, light, as the sun, a star, a candle, a lighthouse, etc.
Then he called for a light, and sprang in.
And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night.
Light
The brightness of the eye or eyes.
He seemed to find his way without his eyes;For out o'door he went without their helps,And, to the last, bended their light on me.
Light
The medium through which light is admitted, as a window, or window pane; a skylight; in architecture, one of the compartments of a window made by a mullion or mullions.
There were windows in three rows, and light was against light in three ranks.
Light
Life; existence.
O, spring to light, auspicious Babe, be born !
Light
Open view; a visible state or condition; public observation; publicity.
The duke yet would have dark deeds darkly answered; he would never bring them to light.
Light
The power of perception by vision.
My strength faileth me; as for the light of my eyes, it also is gone from me.
Light
That which illumines or makes clear to the mind; mental or spiritual illumination; enlightenment; knowledge; information.
He shall never knowThat I had any light of this from thee.
Light
Prosperity; happiness; joy; felicity.
Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thy health shall spring forth speedily.
Light
The manner in which the light strikes upon a picture; that part of a picture which represents those objects upon which the light is supposed to fall; the more illuminated part of a landscape or other scene; - opposed to shade. Cf. Chiaroscuro.
Light
Appearance due to the particular facts and circumstances presented to view; point of view; as, to state things fairly and put them in the right light.
Frequent consideration of a thing . . . shows it in its several lights and various ways of appearance.
Light
One who is conspicuous or noteworthy; a model or example; as, the lights of the age or of antiquity.
Joan of Arc,A light of ancient France.
Light
A firework made by filling a case with a substance which burns brilliantly with a white or colored flame; as, a Bengal light.
Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
Light
Having light; not dark or obscure; bright; clear; as, the apartment is light.
Light
White or whitish; not intense or very marked; not of a deep shade; moderately colored; as, a light color; a light brown; a light complexion.
Light
Having little, or comparatively little, weight; not tending to be the center of gravity with force; not heavy.
These weights did not exert their natural gravity, . . . insomuch that I could not guess which was light or heavy whilst I held them in my hand.
Light
Not burdensome; easy to be lifted, borne, or carried by physical strength; as, a light burden, or load.
Ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Light
Easy to be endured or performed; not severe; not difficult; as, a light affliction or task.
Light sufferings give us leisure to complain.
Light
Easy to be digested; not oppressive to the stomach; as, light food; also, containing little nutriment.
Light
Not heavily armed; armed with light weapons; as, light troops; a troop of light horse.
Light
Not encumbered; unembarrassed; clear of impediments; hence, active; nimble; swift.
Unmarried men are best friends, best masters . . . but not always best subjects, for they are light to run away.
Light
Not heavily burdened; not deeply laden; not sufficiently ballasted; as, the ship returned light.
Light
Slight; not important; as, a light error.
Light
Well leavened; not heavy; as, light bread.
Light
Not copious or heavy; not dense; not inconsiderable; as, a light rain; a light snow; light vapors.
Light
Not strong or violent; moderate; as, a light wind.
Light
Not pressing heavily or hard upon; hence, having an easy, graceful manner; delicate; as, a light touch; a light style of execution.
Light
Easy to admit influence; inconsiderate; easily influenced by trifling considerations; unsteady; unsettled; volatile; as, a light, vain person; a light mind.
There is no greater argument of a light and inconsiderate person than profanely to scoff at religion.
Light
Indulging in, or inclined to, levity; wanting dignity or solemnity; trifling; gay; frivolous; airy; unsubstantial.
Seneca can not be too heavy, nor Plautus too light.
Specimens of New England humor laboriously light and lamentably mirthful.
Light
Not quite sound or normal; somewhat impaired or deranged; dizzy; giddy.
Are his wits safe? Is he not light of brain ?
Light
Easily bestowed; inconsiderately rendered.
To a fair semblance doth light faith annex.
Light
Wanton; unchaste; as, a woman of light character.
A light wife doth make a heavy husband.
Light
Not of the legal, standard, or usual weight; clipped; diminished; as, light coin.
Light
Loose; sandy; easily pulverized; as, a light soil.
Light
To set fire to; to cause to burn; to set burning; to ignite; to kindle; as, to light a candle or lamp; to light the gas; - sometimes with up.
If a thousand candles be all lighted from one.
And the largest lamp is lit.
Absence might cure it, or a second mistressLight up another flame, and put out this.
Light
To give light to; to illuminate; to fill with light; to spread over with light; - often with up.
Ah, hopeless, lasting flames! like those that burnTo light the dead.
One hundred years ago, to have lit this theater as brilliantly as it is now lighted would have cost, I suppose, fifty pounds.
The sun has set, and Vesper, to supplyHis absent beams, has lighted up the sky.
Light
To attend or conduct with a light; to show the way to by means of a light.
His bishops lead him forth, and light him on.
Light
To become ignited; to take fire; as, the match will not light.
Light
To be illuminated; to receive light; to brighten; - with up; as, the room light up very well.
Light
To lighten; to ease of a burden; to take off.
From his head the heavy burgonet did light.
Light
To dismount; to descend, as from a horse or carriage; to alight; - with from, off, on, upon, at, in.
When she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel.
Slowly rode across a withered heath,And lighted at a ruined inn.
Light
To feel light; to be made happy.
It made all their hearts to light.
Light
To descend from flight, and rest, perch, or settle, as a bird or insect.
[The bee] lights on that, and this, and tasteth all.
On the tree tops a crested peacock lit.
Light
To come down suddenly and forcibly; to fall; - with on or upon.
On me, me only, as the source and springOf all corruption, all the blame lights due.
Light
To come by chance; to happen; - with on or upon; formerly with into.
The several degrees of vision, which the assistance of glasses (casually at first lit on) has taught us to conceive.
They shall light into atheistical company.
And here we lit on Aunt Elizabeth,And Lilia with the rest.
Light
Lightly; cheaply.
Light
(physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation;
The light was filtered through a soft glass window
Light
Any device serving as a source of illumination;
He stopped the car and turned off the lights
Light
A particular perspective or aspect of a situation;
Although he saw it in a different light, he still did not understand
Light
The quality of being luminous; emitting or reflecting light;
Its luminosity is measured relative to that of our sun
Light
An illuminated area;
He stepped into the light
Light
A condition of spiritual awareness; divine illumination;
Follow God's light
Light
The visual effect of illumination on objects or scenes as created in pictures;
He could paint the lightest light and the darkest dark
Light
A person regarded very fondly;
The light of my life
Light
Mental understanding as an enlightening experience;
He finally saw the light
Can you shed light on this problem?
Light
Having abundant light or illumination;
They played as long as it was light
As long as the lighting was good
Light
Public awareness;
It brought the scandal to light
Light
Brightness and animation of countenance;
He had a sparkle in his eye
Light
A divine presence believed by Quakers to enlighten and guide the soul
Light
A visual warning signal;
They saw the light of the beacon
There was a light at every corner
Light
A device for lighting or igniting fuel or charges or fires;
Do you have a light?
Light
Make lighter or brighter;
This lamp lightens the room a bit
Light
Begin to smoke;
After the meal, some of the diners lit up
Light
To come to rest, settle;
Misfortune lighted upon him
Light
Cause to start burning; subject to fire or great heat;
Great heat can ignite almost any dry matter
Light a cigarette
Light
Fall to somebody by assignment or lot;
The task fell to me
It fell to me to notify the parents of the victims
Light
Get off (a horse)
Light
Of comparatively little physical weight or density;
A light load
Magnesium is a light metal--having a specific gravity of 1.74 at 20 degrees C
Light
(used of color) having a relatively small amount of coloring agent;
Light blue
Light colors such as pastels
A light-colored powder
Light
Of the military or industry; using (or being) relatively small or light arms or equipment;
Light infantry
Light cavalry
Light industry
Light weapons
Light
Not great in degree or quantity or number;
A light sentence
A light accent
Casualties were light
Light snow was falling
Light misty rain
Light smoke from the chimney
Light
Psychologically light; especially free from sadness or troubles;
A light heart
Light
Characterized by or emitting light;
A room that is light when the shutters are open
The inside of the house was airy and light
Light
Used of vowels or syllables; pronounced with little or no stress;
A syllable that ends in a short vowel is a light syllable
A weak stress on the second syllable
Light
Easily assimilated in the alimentary canal; not rich or heavily seasoned;
A light diet
Light
(used of soil) loose and large-grained in consistency;
Light sandy soil
Light
(of sound or color) free from anything that dulls or dims;
Efforts to obtain a clean bass in orchestral recordings
Clear laughter like a waterfall
Clear reds and blues
A light lilting voice like a silver bell
Light
Moving easily and quickly; nimble;
The dancer was light and graceful
A lightsome buoyant step
Walked with a light tripping step
Light
Demanding little effort; not burdensome;
Light housework
Light exercise
Light
Of little intensity or power or force;
The light touch of her fingers
A light breeze
Light
(physics, chemistry) not having atomic weight greater than average;
Light water is ordinary water
Light
Weak and likely to lose consciousness;
Suddenly felt faint from the pain
Was sick and faint from hunger
Felt light in the head
A swooning fit
Light-headed with wine
Light-headed from lack of sleep
Light
Very thin and insubstantial;
Thin paper
Flimsy voile
Light summer dresses
Light
Marked by temperance in indulgence;
Abstemious meals
A light eater
A light smoker
Ate a light supper
Light
Less than the correct or legal or full amount often deliberately so;
A light pound
A scant cup of sugar
Regularly gives short weight
Light
Having little importance;
Losing his job was no light matter
Light
Intended primarily as entertainment; not serious or profound;
Light verse
A light comedy
Light
Silly or trivial;
Idle pleasure
Light banter
Light idle chatter
Light
Having a spongy or flaky texture; well-leavened;
Light pastries
Light
Designed for ease of movement or to carry little weight;
Light aircraft
A light truck
Light
Having relatively few calories;
Diet cola
Light (or lite) beer
Lite (or light) mayonnaise
A low-cal diet
Light
(of sleep) easily disturbed;
In a light doze
A light sleeper
A restless wakeful night
Light
With few burdens;
Experienced travellers travel light
Common Curiosities
Can perceptions of light and heavy vary across cultures?
Yes, cultural and personal experiences can influence what is considered light or heavy.
How does density relate to being light or heavy?
Density plays a crucial role; objects with lower density are usually lighter, whereas denser objects are heavier.
How do light and heavy rains differ?
Light rain falls gently and sparsely, while heavy rain is intense and falls in large quantities.
What is an example of a light material?
An example of a light material is balsa wood, known for its low density.
What makes an object light or heavy?
An object's lightness or heaviness is determined by its mass and the gravitational force acting on it.
Does the size of an object always determine if it's light or heavy?
No, size doesn't always correlate with weight; a large object can be light, and a small one can be heavy, depending on the material.
Is a heavy object always more difficult to transport than a light one?
Generally, yes, because heavier objects require more effort and energy to move.
Can the weight of an object affect its performance in certain tasks?
Yes, the weight can significantly affect performance, such as in vehicles or sports equipment, where lighter or heavier designs have specific advantages.
Can the same object be considered light in one situation and heavy in another?
Yes, depending on the context and comparison, an object can be seen as light in one situation and heavy in another.
How do light and heavy workouts differ?
Light workouts involve less intensity and are easier on the body, whereas heavy workouts are more intense and demanding.
Can food be described as light or heavy?
Yes, food can be described as light or heavy based on its richness, quantity, and how it makes one feel after eating.
Is it easier to manipulate light objects than heavy ones?
Generally, yes, light objects require less effort to manipulate compared to heavy objects.
How does gravity affect the weight of an object?
Gravity exerts a force on objects, and the strength of this force determines the object's weight, influencing whether it's considered light or heavy.
Can the concept of light and heavy apply to non-physical things?
Yes, it can apply to abstract concepts like a light or heavy mood, workload, or discussion.
Do light objects always float?
Not always, but lighter objects are more likely to float, especially if they are less dense than the fluid they're in.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
