WordGarden.iolighter
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈaɪtə/
US
- /ˈlaɪtər/
Meanings
Adjective
weighing less or easier to lift than something else
paler, brighter, or less dark in color or appearance
less serious, severe, or intense
Noun
a small device used to make a flame for lighting cigarettes, candles, or stoves
Beyond the definition
"Lighter" can mean weighing less, like a feather compared with a brick. It can also describe something that feels easier, less serious, brighter, or more cheerful. A person may feel lighter after hearing good news, and a room can look lighter when the color is pale or the sun comes in. You might also pack lighter for a trip, meaning you bring fewer heavy things. The word is also used for food that has fewer calories or less fat, and as a noun it can mean a small handheld tool used to start a fire.
The word "lighter" is very flexible and can be used in several everyday ways. Most basically, it is the comparative form of "light," meaning something has less weight. "This suitcase feels much lighter after I took out those books." This meaning also appears in nature: "A hummingbird's bones are lighter than a sparrow's."
But "lighter" often moves beyond physical weight. It can describe feelings, mood, or tone. A lighter mood suggests more cheerfulness or a sense of relief. "After hearing the good news, she felt much lighter." It can also mean less serious or less intense: "The movie offered a lighter take on a difficult subject."
Beyond weight and emotion, "lighter" is also common when talking about color. A lighter shade of blue is paler and closer to white than navy. In food, it often means something with fewer calories, less fat, or a less heavy feeling: "She ordered a lighter dressing." Finally, "lighter" can be a noun meaning a small device used to make a flame for candles, campfires, or cigarettes. Whether the word refers to weight, mood, color, food, or a tool for fire, the main idea is that something is reduced, softened, or made easier.
Examples
- 1
Weight comparison
This suitcase is lighter than the one I brought last year.
- 2
Color shade
I chose a lighter blue for the bedroom walls.
- 3
Food choice
After such a big lunch, I wanted something lighter for dinner.
- 4
Medical advice
The doctor suggested a lighter exercise routine until my knee heals.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Cooking amount
Try going a little lighter on the salt next time.
- Patterngo lighter on + ingredient/item
use less of it
- 6
Emotional relief
She felt lighter after telling him the truth.
- Phrasefeel lighter
feel less worried or upset
- 7
Topic change
On a lighter note, did you see the dog wearing sunglasses?
- Phraseon a lighter note
used to change to a less serious topic
- 8
Fire tool
Do you have a lighter? I need to light these candles.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- lighternounverbadjective
Forms
- lighterspluralnounverbadjective