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单词 light
释义

light1

noun lʌɪtlaɪt
  • 1mass noun The natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible.

    Visible light is electromagnetic radiation whose wavelength falls within the range to which the human retina responds, i.e. between about 390 nm (violet light) and 740 nm (red). White light consists of a roughly equal mixture of all visible wavelengths, which can be separated to yield the colours of the spectrum, as was first demonstrated conclusively by Newton. In the 20th century it became apparent that light consists of energy quanta called photons which behave partly like waves and partly like particles. The velocity of light in a vacuum is 299,792 km per second

    the light of the sun

    太阳的光芒。

    in singular the lamps in the street shed a faint light into the room

    街上的路灯将一缕微弱的光线投到房间里。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • We really do not know what would happen to time when an object passes the speed of light.
    • She rose to her feet and passed into the light of the full moon.
    • The garden was lit only by the light of the moon and all was silent.
    • The windows were ablaze with light, the heavy wooden doors still open.
    • Einstein used Planck's quantum hypothesis to describe the electromagnetic radiation of light.
    • Stockholm is beautiful in the mornings, the golden light glinting off the buildings.
    • The large garden around the swimming pool shone in the glimmering light of many multicolored candles.
    • Look at them at different times of the day, and in both natural and incandescent light.
    • He had carried out research into light and how it interacts with atoms.
    • Dark clothes don't glow because the dark pigments absorb the UV light.
    • The abstract representations are also a reflection of the artist's mastery over colour and light.
    • In the village the fields were being turned, and men and women worked in the damp soil from light to dusk.
    • The light from a nearby street lamp paints her face a garish yellow.
    • LEDs are made of semiconductor chips and emit light when a current passes through them.
    • The plants were grown in natural light with no supplementary lighting.
    • This is another good time to walk outside and expose yourself to some natural light.
    • The sun was setting low, casting a dull orange light in the sky.
    • In that case, what you need to know before choosing when to take your picture is that the colour of light changes throughout the day.
    • I wanted to sleep a little longer, but the faint light of the sun had awakened me.
    • Normally, water in the distance is seen by its ability to reflect light off of its surface.
    Synonyms
    illumination, brightness, luminescence, luminosity, shining, gleaming, gleam, brilliance, radiance, lustre, glowing, glow, blaze, glare, dazzle
    incandescence, phosphorescence
    sunlight, moonlight, starlight, lamplight, firelight, electric light, gaslight
    ray of light, shaft of light, beam of light
    rare effulgence, refulgence, lambency, fulguration
    daylight, light of day, natural light, sunlight
    daylight hours, daytime, day, hours of sunlight
    1. 1.1count noun A source of illumination, especially an electric lamp.
      (电)灯
      a light came on in his room

      他房里亮起了一盏灯。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • The huge primary lights in the ceiling were darkened but the scattered emergency lights gave some illumination.
      • We didn't have a bathroom or electric power or lights and things until I was about 17 years old.
      • When illuminated with electric lights or candles, the pumpkins radiate the same muted colors as stained-glass windows.
      • The car's lights went off and only enhanced the feeling of shadow.
      • The aircraft took off in the dark with the runway illuminated by truck lights.
      • Everything is brightly lit once the UV lights are turned on.
      • There was an electric light at the top of the staircase but there was no bulb in it at the time of the accident.
      • Shadows, cast by the trees blocking the porch light outside the windows, dance over the coffee table.
      • With only the ceiling lights for illumination, the soldier couldn't tell the time of day.
      • I could see red, white and blue strobe lights flashing all along the water on the Manhattan side.
      • After a few days without lights, electric heat or TV, your stress level shoots through the roof.
      • Hang paper chains or other decorations well away from lights or any other source of heat.
      • Andy turned out the lights in the room and got into bed.
      • Fluorescent lights or special grow lamps also work if left on about 14 to 16 hours per day.
      • The tunnel is quite elaborate, too, with electric lights and reinforced walls.
      • The city's lights lit up the skyline and created an almost magical glow.
      • Down the street, a solitary porch light flickered and called out to him.
      • She moved quietly to her front porch where the light was turned on for her.
      • The police also found a fluorescent light, a grow lamp, ballast, and thermometer.
      • When Pete flicks out the electric lights, we are plunged into inky darkness and ringing silence.
      Synonyms
      lamp, torch, flashlight
      headlight, headlamp, sidelight
      standard lamp, wall light
      street light, floodlight
      lantern, candle, taper, beacon
    2. 1.2lights Decorative illuminations.
      装饰灯
      Christmas lights

      圣诞彩灯。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Backed by a sensational new lights, projection and laser show, The Australian Pink Floyd Show are truly stunning.
      • Both cottages were beautifully decorated with festive lights and welcome home banners last Thursday morning before the group arrived.
      • Fairy lights were switched on and music played.
      • As the sun sets on the skyscrapers, neon lights hug the outsides of the buildings, making the skyline look as impressive at night as it does during the day.
      • A rising star in classical music is to perform in Bolton at the Christmas lights switch-on.
      • All the shops are full of Christmas spirit and the lights and decorations are beautiful.
      • Cubes, stars, lanterns and chilli peppers - decorative lights aren't just for Christmas.
      • Winston walked past me in the den with a giant cardboard box full of Christmas lights that he took outside.
      • Instead of the usual studio lighting he used the available light sources visible in the shot, such as lamps, Christmas tree lights and so forth.
      • If it is any consolation, it gave me time to admire the decorative lights put up by some people in their homes and gardens.
      • And as the midnight hour approached, the tall ships decorated with tiny lights turned with the crowds towards the Harbour Bridge.
      • Decorative neon lights in business districts are being turned off in order to save enough power for production or air conditioning.
      • When we got to school, they had the cafeteria all decorated up with lights and balloons.
      • Huge neon lights decorated the outside and, in many different colors, advertised the many different games inside the casino.
      • The builders, Deeks and Steere plc of Godalming, had hung lights outside the church to add to the festive spirit.
      • For the past couple of years, the appearance of Christmas lights and festive decorations has heralded the arrival of a weighty travel anthology.
      • At one end of the temple room there was a white coffin decorated with neon flashing lights and flowers.
      • As the SUV jeep slowly pulled into traffic Christmas lights glittered in the night for Christmas morning.
      • Church bells, laser lights, fireworks and a town crier announced the beginning of the festive season in Leigh.
      • Good use was also made of neon lights, phosphorescent glow sticks, reflectors, fiber optics, and a thumping dance floor.
    3. 1.3usually lightscount noun A traffic light.
      交通灯,红绿灯
      turn right at the lights

      见到红绿灯向右转。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Imagine his surprise when traffic coming through the lights headed straight for him.
      • Not satisfied with that, they then put in more lights, making more traffic snarls.
      • Another plan includes installation of signal lights at some junctions on the ring roads.
      • With a lights controlled junction at Feehily's corner this would make things safer for both vehicles and pedestrians.
      • I don't want to drive these things wide open on the street, but we'll run them zero to 60 at the next few lights.
      • The look, of course, was no big deal, but the preposterous wheelspinning start as the lights went green certainly was.
      • Maybe it's just difficult for them to control the horses in Central London, and that's why the guy jumped the light.
      • Imagine the flow of traffic without lights and signs.
      • Queuing traffic at the numerous lights in and around the High Street creates more congestion.
      • Sadly, over one year after the lights were restored the traffic situation has not improved.
    4. 1.4 The amount or quality of light in a place.
      照明,光照
      the plant requires good light

      植物需要好的光照。

      count noun in some lights she could look beautiful
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The main bedroom is to the rear of the house and is quite spacious with plenty of light from a large dormer window.
      • Daffodils require very bright light, such as that found in a greenhouse, to flower well.
      • She narrowed her dark eyes in the strong light, and turned around to go back to the main street.
      • His eyes were grey; they just looked brown in certain lights.
      • We get fluorescent desklamps to compensate for the lack of natural light - and boy, do they make up for it!
      • The main reception area has an open plan living/dining room which has a good deal of natural light.
      • This plant is an annual that is easy to start from seed and is not fussy about soil or light.
      • With one side of the room completely dedicated to windows, there is good natural light.
      • Domestic buildings do not need a lot of light but buildings where people work need to be well lit.
      • Large sky-lights draw in enough natural light to ensure the room remains bright and sunny.
      • I resume my watch but the light is failing so I exchange my camera for my rifle.
      • To the left, the living room faces the front garden and gets plenty of natural light.
      • She feared the new houses on the school site would block light to her bungalow and invade her privacy.
      • On entering this vast sanctum, one is immediately struck by the quality of space and light.
      • The deer can look black in some lights and have a white rump.
      • What faint light was in the room was extinguished as pure blackness engulfed her.
      • On the walls were mirrors which reflected what little natural light came through the portholes around the room.
      • The cramped room was dark and gloomy, a faint stream of gentle light streaming through the grimy window.
      • It's a very frightening place that has been designed to have no natural light.
      • It was a small space with a narrow vertical slit window which admitted some natural light.
    5. 1.5Law The light falling on the windows of a house.
      〔律〕采光权。见ANCIENT LIGHTS
      See ancient lights
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The right to light must be a specific right, so that light is claimed for particular windows or skylights, and there cannot be a general claim for light over the whole piece of land.
      • I suppose blocking of a right to light would be an example, would it not?
  • 2in singular An expression in someone's eyes indicating a particular emotion or mood.

    眼神

    a shrewd light entered his eyes

    他眼里闪烁着精明的目光。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • She had a very soft beauty to her, but she had a fierce light in her eyes.
    • She seemed very pale and weak, the light from her eyes, gone.
    • His features softened when he saw her, though there was no light of recognition in his eyes.
    • No words could describe that feeling of supreme joy at seeing the light in her eyes.
    • There was a new light in his eye that Adriane had never seen, a vengeful, vicious emotion.
    1. 2.1lights A person's opinions, standards, and abilities.
      人生见解;处世标准;智慧能力
      leaving the police to do the job according to their lights

      让警方按他们自己的想法处理此事。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • It seems to me that they were a state, but they had a legal system which, according to their lights, was divinely ordained.
      • He was, by his lights at least, honest with me.
      • I think that the president is a basically decent man who is trying to do the best he can according to his lights.
      • The good of human freedom, by European lights, must be weighed against the risk and cost of actually fighting for it.
      Synonyms
      talent, skill, ability
      intelligence, mental powers, intellect, knowledge, understanding
  • 3mass noun Understanding of a problem or mystery; enlightenment.

    (对问题的)了解;(对疑团的)识破;启迪

    she saw light dawn on the woman's face

    她从那女人的脸上看出她已明白了事情的端倪。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • Both of them would be happy if someone could shed the light onto the mystery behind their child.
    • Here, most tellingly, the study misses the light shed by new Western studies.
    • I found you on the net, and hope you may give some light to this mystery for me!
    • His experience, and that of others, deserve to have light shed on them.
    • The light of knowledge is necessary to expel this demon of ignorance, he says.
    • The light of knowledge characterises John's spiritual development and devotion to God.
    • For our part we have to accept that there is no particular light shed on the matters in issue from it.
    • He was very confused, but then, when light dawned, he took much glee in pointing out I'd paid the exact same amount as I would have before my haggling.
    Synonyms
    aspect, angle, slant, approach, interpretation, viewpoint, standpoint, context, point of view, vantage point
    appearance, guise, hue, complexion
    understanding, enlightenment, illumination, comprehension, insight, awareness, knowledge, elucidation, explanation, clarification, edification
    1. 3.1 Spiritual illumination by divine truth.
      圣灵亮光
      Example sentencesExamples
      • At the moment I am only on the first steps of Buddhism but I see it as the only light in a very confusing world.
      • May God grant new gospel light to this spiritually deprived nation!
      • Some of Christ's sufferings were a consequence of the ineffable divine light granted to him.
      • They believed this to be a natural power of the soul, realized as it gradually opens itself to divine light and truth.
      • We all can trust in the words of the Lord as he brings hope in place of despair and light in place of darkness.
      • The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
      • But if we resist God's Spirit of light and mercy, we are promised the rod of correction.
      • It is not that we are illuminated by the divine light, but that the truth we grasp is illuminated.
      • The fog and deep darkness of my brain are slowly clearing and giving way to a little spiritual light.
      • The light of the divine shines everywhere, and has no gender, and has no single pronoun, and has no one image.
      • Let the light of the Spirit fill your heart today with the goodness and glory of God.
      • At emergence, the seeker may reconstruct the ego under the Will, that the ego will in totality reflect the true light.
  • 4An area of something that is brighter or paler than its surroundings.

    亮部(绘画作品等中与周围色调相比色彩较亮或较浅的部分)

    sunshine will brighten the natural lights in your hair

    太阳光会把你头发的自然亮部照得很亮。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • Squint your eyes and see the landscape as a series of shapes, lights and darks, as opposed to seeing every detail.
    • The hanging lantern caught the lights in his blond hair.
    • My uncle turns, glances at me, the sun from behind the clouds casting lights and darks across his lean face.
  • 5A device used to produce a flame or spark.

    引火物

    he asked me for a light

    他向我借火。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • I was nervous and when I get nervous I smoke - too bad I didn't have a light.
    Synonyms
    match, (cigarette) lighter, flame, spark, source of fire
  • 6A window or opening to let light in.

    窗,采光窗洞

    the bedroom has a wide bay with leaded lights
    Example sentencesExamples
    • Top lights and side windows flood the building with daylight from unexpected angles.
    • The opening casements were also taped along the junction between the casement and the opening light.
    • This must be the upper light or lights of a third window, at the back of the room, adjacent to the back wall.
    • Summer cross-ventilation can be obtained through opening lights in the glass wall and the motorized panes of the clerestory.
    1. 6.1 A perpendicular division of a mullioned window.
      直棂窗窗玻璃上的竖框
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The windows also show progress in one particular way: they are still mullioned and transomed, but the individual lights are no longer arched.
      • Well-lit by a triple-light mullion and transom window with wooden surrounds, the landing was given additional light from a dormer window high up in the central gable.
    2. 6.2 A pane of glass forming the roof or side of a greenhouse or the top of a cold frame.
      (温室或阳畦的)天窗
      Example sentencesExamples
      • In summer, the glazed frame-light can often be left off altogether and replaced with a slatted frame, the glazed light being put back if there is a likelihood of heavy rain.
  • 7A person eminent in a particular sphere of activity.

    杰出的人,有声望的人,显赫人物

    such lights of Liberalism as the historian Goldwin Smith

    像历史学家戈尔德温·史密斯这样持自由主义思想的显赫人物。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • One of Canada's brightest lights has passed away.
    • He said Mandisi has always been a shining light and brought understanding and laughter to their lives.
    • New cap Scott MacLeod is one of Scotland's bright young lights, but Gray fails to shine.
    • He had made other mistakes over the years, but he also had been one of the bright and shining lights of college sports.
    Synonyms
    expert, authority, master, leader, guru
    leading light, guiding light, luminary, celebrity, dignitary, public figure, worthy, VIP, big name, star
    informal bigwig, big gun, big shot, big noise, celeb
  • 8British (in a crossword puzzle) a blank space to be filled by a letter.

    〈英〉(字谜游戏中的)待填空格

verblit, lighted lʌɪtlaɪt
[with object]
  • 1Provide with light or lighting; illuminate.

    提供光源(或照明);照亮

    the room was lit by a number of small lamps

    房间被许多小灯照亮了。

    lightning suddenly lit up the house

    闪电突然照亮了房子。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • The neighborhood was quiet and dim, lit only by a few street lights.
    • It was night but the moon was full so everything was lit up and reflected.
    • The pool hall was smoky and lit only by a few flickering light bulbs.
    • Both the other ballets were two-piano scores, played on stage and lit so that only the pianists' profiles were visible.
    • The night climb is stark affair, halogen lights casting deep black shadows on every part of the cliff face that isn't brilliantly lit.
    • The room beyond was lighted from within by the wavering yellow glow of candles.
    • The dining room was dark and cold and only lighted by a candle or two.
    • The hallway, lit with sunlight from both ends, was serenely quiet.
    • We were both watching TV, the pictures brightly lighting the dark living room.
    • It's cramped, poorly stocked and somehow dimly lit.
    • And the art, hung here and there and lit in one case by lamplight, was a hodgepodge of styles.
    • Our eyes widened when a flash of lightning lit up the sky and illuminated the dark figure.
    • Old Masters, though, are usually hung on a tastefully restrained backdrop and lit as close to daylight as can be managed.
    • She switched on the power, a bright, green glow lighting up the screen.
    • The band treated the crowd to some of their greatest hits and was made even more special when a fireworks display lit up the sky behind them.
    • Extra decorations have lit up the city like never before.
    • Silhouetted passers-by walk away from us as the singer steps forward, brilliantly lit, sometimes looking at us sometimes away.
    • The full moon lit up the pond so that I could perfectly see my reflection.
    • Sets are very minimalist but lit to good effect.
    • We walked for an hour until we were in a large room, lighted by a hole in the ceiling.
    1. 1.1 Switch on (an electric light)
      开(灯)
      only one of the table lamps was lit

      只亮着一盏台灯。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • As he flicked the switch to light the brightly coloured bulbs, an enormous cheer went up from onlookers.
      • It was peaceful, the street lights were lit and the only noise that could be heard was a dog barking in the distance.
      • Edwards lost a truck race because he slowed when the caution light was lit accidentally.
      • In later years insurance companies forced the removal of the old candelabras and these were replaced with little electric lights, lighted by a button.
    2. 1.2with object and adverbial Provide a light for (someone) so that they can see where they are going.
      为…提供照明,为…照亮
      I'll light you down to the gate

      我给你照个亮送你到门口。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • One was so scrupulous that when he finished work, he would snuff out the candle the state had provided and light himself to bed with his own.
      • If we are among the lucky ones we may have an oil lamp but in most cases we have a candle to light us to bed.
      • We took off our sandals, and two of the men carried burning torches to light our way.
      • As night fell, a full moon rose and lit my way back into the landscape, where I sat on top of the hill and contemplated how lucky I was.
      Synonyms
      make bright, brighten, illuminate, make brighter, lighten, throw/cast/shed light on, shine on, irradiate, flood with light, floodlight
      literary illumine
    3. 1.3light upno object Become illuminated.
      亮起来
      the sign to fasten seat belts lit up

      系好安全带的信号亮了。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • I've got a novelty mini-Beverly Hillbillies television set that lights up and plays the theme song when you push a button.
      • Tyra flicked the switch on the wall by the door and suddenly the room lit up with a warm yellowish glow.
      • The switchboard lit up for the Brighton area and people claimed that the devil had come to Earth to kill them all.
      • Suddenly, the sky lit up, and a single white lightning bolt shot down towards the general.
      • Drawing power from the battery, the screen lit up brightly, illuminating everything by it.
      • Suddenly, the forest lit up as five bolts of white lightning rained down from the sky.
      • The street lamps and signs lit up suddenly as it got a little bit darker.
      • The bridge around them now lit up brightly as a globe of sunlight surrounded her.
      • Andrew immediately got to his feet to catch up with me as I entered the hall, now brightly lit up.
      • The horizon lights up all around you, flickering and pulsating, white, blue and green hues of light, constantly moving up and down, changing shape.
      • This limited production L.E.D. watch lights up brighter than any other watch available.
      • In the darkening light, street lamps began to light up and windows glowed with indoor illumination.
      • There was a long silence and inside of me a spark of hope lit up brightly.
      • I stared blankly at the PC screen, waiting for it to light up.
      • As we walked by, the tree suddenly lit up in a blaze of colored lights.
      • The night sky would light up; there was a bright white glow every time the lightning surged through the clouds.
      • They should wear light coloured clothes and reflective armbands and have bicycles properly lit up, front and back.
      Synonyms
      become bright, brighten, become brighter, lighten, flash, shine, gleam, flare, blaze, glint, sparkle, flicker, shimmer, glisten, scintillate, glare, beam
      rare coruscate, fulgurate
  • 2Make (something) start burning; ignite.

    点火,点燃

    Allen gathered sticks and lit a fire

    艾伦拣了些枝条点起了火。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • She's lighting the Chanukah candles for those of us who can't get home by sundown.
    • After the ceremony attached to lighting the candle, Come O Come Emmanuel was sung by a member of the Club.
    • His sightless eyes looked almost black in the shadows cast by the candle he had lit.
    • He lit a further cigarillo, coughing glutinously as he did so.
    • Almost every month my neighbour has a bonfire: last Friday at 9.15 pm he lit one.
    • Once he's shot off about a dozen he switches to firecrackers, first lighting one to give us the idea and then setting off a string of fifty.
    • I lit my scented candles, dimmed the lights, and tucked into my new book.
    • Dad would trudge on to the lawn with a tin of fireworks, dashing back to safety after lighting each one as if a Pompeii-scale eruption were imminent.
    • Word is now that they're lighting buildings on fire, but I can't confirm that.
    • They line up for hours to pray at the grotto, drink the water, light candles and take photographs.
    • He lit a few candles around the room and then he shut off the lights.
    • He pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and walked away from the fire, through the village, and into the forest.
    • We both lit our Bic lighters as if we were at a Grateful Dead concert.
    • He lighted what would be the first of many cigars.
    • Wordlessly, she took a seat around the bonfire she had lit earlier.
    • They had a load of cigarettes and they lit a fire, deciding to stay there for the night.
    • He ran his hand through his raven black hair and then lit his cigarette.
    • Leaning back in the bow, mountains rising across the lake behind him, Pete lights a cigarette and passes it down to Jonathan.
    • He then pulled out his cigarette, and lit it, and held his pack out for her to take one.
    • Be careful when lighting alcohol on fire: make sure that the stove top is clean and that there are no flammable materials hanging about.
    Synonyms
    set alight, set light to, set burning, set on fire, set fire to, put/set a match to, ignite, kindle, burn, spark (off), fire, touch off, start, torch
    archaic enkindle
    1. 2.1no object Begin to burn; be ignited.
      开始燃烧;被点燃
      the gas wouldn't light properly

      煤气不能正常点燃。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • However, the four managed to overpower the man and retrieve the lighter before it lit.
      • It took three goes to get the cigarette to light, as my hands were shaking.
      • Mr Griffiths was sucking hopefully at his pipe, which had refused to light properly.
    2. 2.2light something up Ignite a cigarette, cigar, or pipe and begin to smoke it.
      点燃(香烟,雪茄,烟斗)
      she lit up a cigarette and puffed on it serenely

      她点了一支烟,安详地抽了起来。

      no object workers who light up in prohibited areas face dismissal

      在禁烟区内吸烟的工人将被开除。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • I sat down in the smoking section of a café, in front of a young couple with a kid (who were also in the Smoking area) and lit up.
      • I find it rude when someone lights up during a meal, they could simply walk outside or wait till the meal is finished.
      • He fished a pipe out of his pocket, lit it up, and began to smoke.
      • There is nothing worse than being in a cosy little restaurant, enjoying wonderful food, and then somebody lights up and blows that acrid smoke in your direction.
      • When I see people struggling to light their smokes up in a stinking back alley in the dead of winter, in the rain, I really can't see that is their little pleasure time.
      • Fire chiefs are warning the smoking ban may result in a rise in the number of house fires as more people light up at home.
      • Amber looked on in disgust as Kira lit up.
      • Though smoking was banned he lit up regardless and a fire broke out.
      • She got out her last cigarette and lit it up as she walked away.
      • I pulled out a cigarette from my handbag and lit it up.
      • How often have you been walking behind someone, before suddenly finding yourself engulfed in smoke because the person in front has lit up?
adjective lʌɪtlaɪt
  • 1Having a considerable or sufficient amount of natural light; not dark.

    采光好的,光线足的

    the bedrooms are light and airy

    卧室光线足且通风。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • Albert proudly opened the front door and Betty and I walked into a large, light hallway.
    • The seeds were then grown in vermiculite at 30°C under dark or light conditions.
    • Install exterior lights that automatically come on when it gets dark and go off when it's light.
    • If it is sufficiently light outside to tell a white thread from a black thread then one should be fasting.
    • The closer one is to the North Pole, the longer the dark or light period is.
    • As soon as it gets light enough out there, I'll take some pictures.
    • The octagonal house is light and airy, with wraparound verandas, a small pool and nothing between you and the South Pole.
    • The house is light and airy with lots of glazing and three balconies on three levels let the garden come into the house.
    Synonyms
    bright, full of light, well lit, well lighted, well illuminated, sunny, sunshiny, undimmed, brilliant
  • 2(of a colour) pale.

    (颜色)淡的,浅的

    her eyes were light blue

    她的眼睛是淡蓝色的。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • The colors she chooses lean more heavily to violet, light pink, green, black, silver and gold.
    • The girl herself was five feet six inches tall, slightly built, with light brown hair.
    • The blouse was a light, delicate shade of pink, with a dark flower pattern covering it.
    • The streets of the city were cobble stones, and most of the buildings made of a light gray stone or wood.
    • She was tall, large in the stomach with light blonde hair and piercing eyes.
    • It was red, made from bright red bricks, and its roof was a light blue colour.
    • He was wearing a black pair of sweatpants and a light gray shirt that showed off his well built muscles.
    • The person turned out to be a man in his thirties, with light yellow hair and brown eyes.
    • The Bertons chose a light beige paint tied together with a white trim in most rooms.
    • She was dressed in a casual pair of dark blue slacks and a light beige button down blouse tucked neatly in.
    • The vehicle involved, which had also been damaged, had been a light green or blue in colour, although the make or model was not known.
    • Don't take anything white or light coloured with you unless you are going on some luxury holiday somewhere.
    • The walls were a dark jade color here, the tile a light tan covered with crimson matting.
    • The suspect was described only as a white man, in a light coloured short-sleeved shirt.
    • The screen turned light purple and a single folder appeared in the middle of the screen.
    • She was wearing a light rose pink jacket with a darker shade of pink knee-length skirt.
    • She carried a bouquet of light yellow roses, large daisies, chrysanthemums and blue campanulas.
    • Mr Davis plans to use a clean, light colour scheme throughout the pub and designate the left hand bar non-smoking.
    • Mr Gibb said the animal had a sleek, muscular body, smooth fur and was possibly a light sandy colour.
    • Fresh and light colours such as blue and green are widely seen in this theme.
    Synonyms
    light-coloured, light-toned, pale, pale-coloured, pastel, pastel-coloured
    whitish, faded, faint, weak, bleached
    fair, light-coloured, blonde, golden, flaxen, yellow

Phrases

  • bring (or come) to light

    • Make or become widely known or evident.

      (使)真相大白

      no new facts came to light
      Example sentencesExamples
      • But the families' main aim, a public inquiry, could ‘achieve transparency’ by bringing to light inquiry and investigation notes.
      • Sometimes the existence of preceding results rediscovered by a researcher comes to light before his alleged discovery has been published.
      • In fact, it's at this point in the album when a rather disturbing fact comes to light.
      • Now new evidence has come to light that could mean the end of the forgery allegations.
      • So far he is not talking, but details from the police investigation are coming to light that suggest possible motives.
      • The thefts only came to light when one customer noticed that money had been taken from her account without her knowledge.
      • The club also questioned the fact that the controversy had come to light on the eve of a key match against champions AC Milan today.
      • We don't know what kind of evidence this prosecutor has brought to light.
      • Once all of the facts are brought to light, all judges will of course judge impartially.
      • The case is unusual in that his employers did not become aware of his conviction and that he was able to continue teaching for 19 years without the fact of the conviction coming to light.
      Synonyms
      reveal, disclose, expose, uncover, show up, lay bare, unveil, manifest, unearth, dig up, dig out, turn up, bring to notice, detect, identify, dredge up, smoke out, root out, ferret out, hunt out, nose out
      be discovered, be uncovered, be unearthed, appear, come out, transpire, become known, become apparent, materialize, emerge, crop up, turn up, show up, pop up
  • go out like a light

    • informal Fall asleep or lose consciousness suddenly.

      〈非正式〉睡着;突然失去知觉

      she returned to bed and went out like a light
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Maybe tomorrow, were her last thoughts before she went out like a light.
      • I don't know if the rodent returned as I was so tired by this stage that I went out like a light.
      • Something hit the back of the trench and I went out like a light.
      • Staggering, I turned around to face my attacker but never saw him, a second fist followed the first and I went out like a light.
      • He looked dazed for a minute and then went out like a light.
      • I hit this kid and he struck his head and went out like a light.
      • I can hear her breathing and going out like a light.
      • Every time a film clip came on - no matter how interesting or bizarre - I went out like a light, but she was too polite to comment.
      • He went out like a light a few minutes later, and Mia tiptoed out of the room.
      • But last night, after everything was all packed up, and my bed frame dismantled, I just went out like a light.
  • in a — light

    • So as to give a specified impression.

      以特定方式

      the audit portrayed the company in a favourable light

      审计员作了对公司十分有利的描述。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • You know, it doesn't even show the military in an unflattering light, it's more warts-and-all kind of thing.
      • It's not the first time corporations have agreed to show their products in an uncomplimentary light.
      • Nor does it stop one school being compared with another in an unfair light.
      • Am I the only one who sees this sport in an erotic light?
      • The incident cast the police in an ugly light and their brutality was questioned by many.
      • Even at this early stage we begin to see them in a different light.
      • All too often you're talking to two sides eager to portray themselves in a sympathetic light.
      • She claims, however, the book casts her in an unflattering light and has cost her her job and her reputation.
      • If the phrase ‘traditional marriage’ casts one's view on the matter in an unfavourable light, then by all means, use a different one.
      • Arguing that the U.S. is failing when the evidence seems ambiguous does not cast him in an attractive light.
  • in the light of (or in light of)

    • Taking (something) into consideration.

      the exorbitant prices are explainable in the light of the facts

      考虑到实际情况,这么高的价钱也是情有可原的。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Our task is to evaluate the ensuing legislation in the light of all these matters.
      • It is true that memories and past experiences often have to be reassessed in the light of new situations.
      • Planning applications should continue to be considered in the light of current policies.
      • In the light of what happened at Newcastle, it had been decided that it would not be in the public interest to proceed with the two charges today.
      • Please note that the policy will be reviewed in the light of the many comments received on this
      • In the light of my conclusion it is unnecessary to express an opinion on this argument.
      • Still, in the light of subsequent events that night, it was a good job they upgraded me to a double room.
      • In light of what just happened they decided to miss the next lesson.
      • Those words were wiser than even he realised in the light of what was to happen a mere 20 years later.
      • His position is becoming more untenable in the light of more revelations that have come out.
      Synonyms
      taking into consideration, considering, taking into account, bearing in mind, keeping in mind, mindful of, taking note of, in view of
  • light and shade

    • 1The contrast between lighter and darker areas in a painting.

      (绘画中的)明暗对比

      Example sentencesExamples
      • An art movie in both senses of the word, Girl With a Pearl Earring makes use of light and shade as judiciously as Jan Vermeer, whose painting of 1665 is the film's centrepiece.
      • The last decade of the 5th century and the first of the 4th saw the next peak of Greek painting: Pliny says Apollodorus ‘opened the gates of painting’, balancing light and shade.
      • His preference was for scenes of the great outdoors, painted in a vivid, dramatic style with strong contrasts of light and shade.
      • Renoir used the Impressionist technique to great effect and this bustling street scene is brought alive by colour, light and shade.
      • And yet Vermeer seems willing to set down the areas of light and shade just as they occur.
      • Avison also draws analogies between music and painting: both require a mixture of light and shade, foreground, middle ground and distance.
      1. 1.1The contrast between more and less intense emphatic treatment of something.
        (艺术处理等中的)强弱对比
        the sinfonietta players bring ample light and shade to the music

        小交响乐团的演奏家们将乐曲演奏得跌宕起伏。

        Example sentencesExamples
        • Director David Bintley has brought north three works of contrasting light and shade, style and vintage that add up to a superbly balanced programme.
        • All this is neatly capped off with strong soulful vocals, tasty guitar work, and the light and shade of the band's rhythm section.
        • Beautiful tone, assured phrasing, wonderful contrasts of light and shade, the players revelled in Haydn's ever-inventive musicality.
        • It's good to hear why they like particular songs, and it gives the shows quite a lot of light and shade because of their choices - and if they buy the box set, they can have their song filmed at the gig.
        • ‘Judgement’ is an atmospheric and emotional work, musically balancing light and shade, metal riffs contrasting with delicate acoustic passages.
  • light at the end of the tunnel

    • An indication that a long period of difficulty is nearing an end.

      苦难行将结束的先兆;(历尽艰辛之后的)希望之光

      it had been a hard struggle but I could see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel
      Example sentencesExamples
      • People are feeling very hopeless and tired, and they really need to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
      • It has, at times, been difficult but he can see a light at the end of the tunnel now.
      • We are able to work alone for long periods of time, if necessary, with no light at the end of the tunnel.
      • And with no light at the end of the tunnel, pressure on the government's Debt Management Office will grow.
      • There is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, but it is still a long way off yet.
      • This has been a negative and stressful time for all concerned, but I can see a positive light at the end of the tunnel for sure.
      • One light at the end of the tunnel for taxi drivers has been the allocation of another taxi rank to be placed at Harmony Hill.
      • There is no light at the end of this awful dark, painful tunnel.
      • I don't think there's a light at the end of the tunnel for baseball anytime soon.
      • They do not see the light at the end of the tunnel as far as their lives go.
  • the light of day

    • 1Daylight.

      日光

      we sailed at the first light of day
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Oddly, since the day was so foggy, parts of the landscape that were completely obscured in the light of day, now shone brightly under a moon brilliant enough to read by.
      • It was clear these animals had not seen the light of day for some time, judging by their reactions as they were carefully taken out, tagged and photographed by the ISPCA inspectors in charge of the operation.
      • As the light of day slowly dimmed, the world was lit by the angry flashes of lightning which crackled across the sky.
      • During extensive subterranean explorations and investigations spanning a year and a half now, we have seen forgotten worlds, places that have never seen the light of day.
      • However, in and around the Grand Banquet Hall, Palace, and Fortress, by some ancient magic or feat of engineering, the streets were lit with the light of day.
      • The bottom half of the composition shows crows frolicking in the light of day, on their scavenging hunt while busily cackling and gossiping to one another.
      • We got the tree home in the light of day, we got it in the house, all went without a hitch, except I seemed to get a little pine sap in my eye.
      • These creatures are vulnerable only to sunlight, which makes it pretty weird that there's not one scene in the movie where a single demon is exposed to the light of day.
      • When a prisoner leaves his cell, he cannot bear the light of day - he is unable to discriminate colors, or recognize faces.
      • The light of the Sun also energises your thoughts, which is why your thoughts can be so different at night and then in the light of day - and why they are so important as we now approach the Spring Equinox.
      1. 1.1General public attention.
        公众注意力
        bringing old family secrets into the light of day

        让多年的家族秘密暴露在光天化日之下。

        Example sentencesExamples
        • As soon as that is exposed to the light of day, the public will revolt against it.
        • And once this is opened to the light of day, and people become aware of how the system works, they're not going to be satisfied.
        • But her sister, Caroline won't allow the secret to come into the light of day.
        • It's the most honest thing I've ever written and where I come from honesty can always withstand the light of day.
        • Exposing your secret desire to the light of day takes away the irresistible allure, and with it, much of the temptation.
        • If the state intends to put men to death, they have an obligation to do so in the light of day.
        • You see, conservative rants cannot stand the light of day!
        • Does Keighley hide some kind of weapons of mass destruction or is there some other secret that cannot bear the light of day?
        • I am continually surprised as more useless government departments are dragged out into the light of day to be displayed to the ever more annoyed populace.
        • A masked killer is stalking the High School where almost all the students have deep, dark and dirty secrets hidden from the light of day.
  • the light of one's life

    • A much loved person.

      心爱的人,生命的阳光

      she was his only child, the light of his life
      Example sentencesExamples
      • JJ has given me a lifetime of love in a short time, and she is the light of my life.
      • My grandmother was my inspiration, the light of my life, the real reason my faith in God was still holding on.
      • All I will say is that she is the light of my life and I am really happy.
      • Jen had been the joy, the pride, the light of my life for so long now.
      • He had always been the light of my life and I thought he was so brave, moving away from everything he knew to make a fresh start.
      • I lost the light of my life, my buddy, my best friend.
      • But if she was honest with herself, she had to admit that he wasn't exactly the light of her life.
      • I have the most wonderful partner, the light of my life and the father of my baby.
      • She is - and always has been - the light of my life, and I feel so fortunate to have been graced by her love these past 40 years.
      • He was really happy and the baby was the light of his life.
  • the lights are on, but nobody's (or no one's)home

    • Used to suggest that a person lacks intelligence or awareness.

      looking into their eyes, it's a clear case of the lights are on, but nobody's home
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The bland expression on her face just looks like "the lights are on but nobody is at home"!
      • Whenever you talk to them they always have that that empty, glazed over, look in their eyes; it's like you know the lights are on but nobody is home.
      • When it comes to "support" from these folks, as with so many other things, the lights are on but nobody's home.
      • What's up with Calvin's vacant "the lights are on but nobody's home" type stare.
      • She's as boring as could be, I'd imagine, because she has that "lights are on but there's nobody home" expression about her.
  • lights out

    • Bedtime in a school dormitory, military barracks, or other institution, when lights should be switched off.

      (学校宿舍、军营等)熄灯

      a few minutes before lights out
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The older children, the over 16's, were allowed forty-five minutes more, before lights out at ten.
      • I only have one minute until lights out, so I'll explain tomorrow.
      • The other night, just before lights out in the barracks, the girl I sleep beside on a regular basis had what I thought was a pretty perceptive thought - for a girl.
      • The machine is in the bedroom as it's also a DVD player so we were able to watch this on Friday night before lights out!
      • We had about twenty minutes before lights out every night.
      • My mom says lights out in one minute, so I got to put you away.
      • A few minutes before lights out on the ship, Jessica walked up to Ian's door and knocked.
      • The officer locked them in and then left them, telling them it would be lights out in two minutes.
      • So, he worked, counting down the minutes until lights out.
      • Bedtime around here is 10.30 pm, lights out at 11.
  • lit up

    • dated, informal Drunk.

      〈非正式,旧〉醉了

      a lit-up Augustus should provide a spectacle which nobody ought to miss
      Example sentencesExamples
      • She was flushed and sweaty and lit up on something.
  • see the light

    • 1Understand or realize something after prolonged thought or doubt.

      (经长时间考虑后)明白过来,顿悟

      he suddenly saw the light and realized he was going nowhere with United
      Example sentencesExamples
      • For Montgomerie, it was suddenly seeing the light after being trapped in what seemed like an never ending tunnel on Thursday.
      • In Joe's case, something shocking and life threatening has to happen before he suddenly sees the light.
      • I wish I could say that the experience helped me see the light and realize that I had misjudged the film.
      • No doubt, this growing political isolation helped the IRA see the light…
      • Would it suddenly see the light and stop its bullying?
      • You have made us see the light and we recognise that we're a bunch of bully boys who think we can get away with anything.
      • Every new recipe was different from the previous one, my head was starting to spin, when suddenly I saw the light.
      • Why, only when their side has been beaten, do they suddenly see the light?
      • Prominent organizations have began to see the light more, and realize what kind of production prospects can give them.
      • As the natives get down to the business of getting even, the viciousness reverberates off the screen and suddenly we see the light.
      Synonyms
      understand, realize
      informal cotton on, catch on, get the message, get the picture, have an aha moment
      British informal twig
      understand, comprehend, realize, find out, see daylight, work out what's going on, get the point
      informal cotton on, catch on, tumble, latch on, get the picture, get the message, get the drift, get it, get wise, see what's what, savvy
      British informal twig
      1. 1.1Undergo religious conversion.
        经历宗教信仰的转变
        Example sentencesExamples
        • It took a roots-up, religious-type conversion - I'd walked in darkness, then I saw the light.
        • We were sure that Roman Catholics would one day see the light and embrace the Protestant reforms.
        • I once heard a Christian missionary claim that only ignorance of true trinitarian theology would prevent non-Christians from seeing the light and becoming baptized.
        • Paul is in the same world after seeing the light on the road to Damascus as he was before, but everything looks different.
        • Saul's traveling companions didn't see the light because the call was not for them.
  • see the light of day

    • 1Be born.

      出生

      Example sentencesExamples
      • George Headley was a prolific scorer for Jamaica, but he wasn't actually born there - he first saw the light of day in Panama in Central America.
      1. 1.1Begin to exist or to become publicly known or available.
        this software first saw the light of day back in 1993

        该软件于1993年首次上市。

        Example sentencesExamples
        • Pioneering climber, explorer, and mapmaker Bradford Washburn has shot some of the most epic mountain photography of all time - much of which has never seen the light of day.
        • Protests were minimal and terrorist activity, if it existed, never saw the light of day.
        • But let me tell you this: if nothing else I write sees the light of day, I won't care.
        • And somehow, in all his research, Marshall also missed this astonishing piece of news, which likewise has not seen the light of day before.
        • This song is taken from the Excellent album Soul Drums (Featuring Funky Donkey) released in 1968, but as far as I know it's never seen the light of day on CD.
        • Prepared in 1999, and intended for public release, the report has never seen the light of day.
        • Most labor publications don't even see the light of day outside of their local union.
        • What I'd love to do is help publish a volume of his short stories that haven't seen the light of day.
        • In Saturday's edition of The British Medical Journal, there was a paper that many people in public health wish had never seen the light of day.
        • Without that right, important information that should be available to the public would never see the light of day.
  • throw (or cast or shed) light on

    • Help to explain (something) by providing further information about it.

      使(事情)变得清楚(或更易于理解);阐明(某事)

      no one could shed any light on the mysterious car accident
      Example sentencesExamples
      • This type of information sheds light on the similarity of Cold War developments in both the United States and USSR.
      • Now a new poll sheds light on whether TV viewers are fed up with all the sex on television.
      • Police said they wanted to speak to a man seen in the area who might be able to shed light on what happened.
      • He has cast light on so many problem areas that I am moved to nominate him as the first national boxing commissioner - should that post ever be created.
      • It is believed the documents shed light on what ministers were told about the case during its long history.
      • Certainly it would be fascinating to see the results, as they would throw light on exactly how much the public understands about any of this stuff.
      • The questions at the heart of psychoanalysis - its promise to throw light on why we do the things we do, why we have trouble doing what we want to do, and why we suffer - continue to compel.
      • Det Sgt Morgan said he would welcome any information that would shed light on the incident.
      • There are going to be few reports coming out of there that will really shed light on how bad exactly it is.
      • I've heard about the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, but this is the first article I've seen that casts light on how it works.
      Synonyms
      explain, elucidate, clarify, clear up, offer/give an explanation for/of, make clear, make plain, interpret, comment on

Phrasal Verbs

  • light up

    • (of a person's face or eyes) suddenly become animated with liveliness or joy.

      (指脸部表情或眼神)突然出现(或使突然出现)活跃(或欢快)的神色,眉开眼笑,喜形于色

      his eyes lit up and he smiled

      他的眼睛突然变得精神起来,微微笑了一笑。

      a smile of delight lit up her face

      愉悦的微笑使她容光焕发。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • The event brought obvious delight to the children as their faces lit up upon recognizing an inmate from previous meetings.
      • Audrey watched the exchange expectantly, a bright smile suddenly lighting up her entire face.
      • Her green eyes lit up, brightening her pretty face.
      • It was the only time in his whole life an adult had ventured affection and a smile lit the usually wary, suspicious face.
      • My eyes lit up, this is really my life when it is working at its finest.
      • As Ron Whitelaw stood on top of 2,000 ft Grisedale Pike, a smile of satisfaction lit up his face.
      • She grinned suddenly, her face lighting up, her eyes turning to tawny amber-green.
      • Mikey's eyes traveled over to the small car, instantly lighting up at the sight.
      • Her face lights up with a smile as she takes the baby in her arms.
      • His eyes lit up, and he excitedly told me that in all his years of studying hypnotherapy, he'd never considered that.
      • They smiled brightly at the older boy, their eyes lighting up with excitement.
      • Danny's eyes briefly welled-up and a smile again lit up his face.
      • Her family will always remember the big smile, which lit up her face.
      • She turned her chair away from me and her face lit up.
      • Her eyes light up and her face brightens as she recalls the events which have shaped a region.
      • His ragged tanned face lights up with laughter, remembering old ways and old mates, all long since passed, but still there to be savoured in his memory.
      • As for the race itself, Diane breaks into a beaming smile and her eyes light up as she recalls that sunny day at York Racecourse last May.
      • Todd's face lit up in a full grin as he leaned over and pulled Rachel into a tight hug.
      • Then, abruptly, the lines in his forehead disappeared and his eyes lit up with delight.
      • Three-year-old Evelyn North's eyes lit up at a bag of crisps, but she seemed distinctly disappointed with its contents.

Derivatives

  • lightish

  • adjective ˈlʌɪtɪʃˈlaɪdɪʃ
    • The cello is painted a warm, lightish brown, with rippling reflections that show off its highly polished surface.
      Example sentencesExamples
      • They found Alba apparently variable; in mid-January it was sometimes lightish from midday to evening.
      • They are small (not bigger than 0.5 cm or 1/5 in), have lightish brown legs, and a round, hard, shiny reddish-brownish shell.
      • He described him as a black male wearing black combat trousers and a lightish or light grey vest.
      • For the goggles, I was looking at a green camouflage colour, lightish, around the $100 mark.
  • lightless

  • adjective
    • As an added bonus, the keyboard seems to light up, which I envision will be a boon to struggling typists working in windowless, lightless spaces.
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Satisfied, Haywood led her out of the plain, dark room, and into the lightless hallways.
      • The path we followed was merely a space between two stone walls, dank and lightless.
      • They were not alone in enjoying this subterranean existence because Bermuda's caves support a diverse fauna specially adapted to a lightless existence.
      • After midnight the storm finally blew itself out, and the lightless convoy moved out.

Origin

Old English lēoht, līht (noun and adjective), līhtan (verb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch licht and German Licht, from an Indo-European root shared by Greek leukos 'white' and Latin lux 'light'.

  • The two words spelled light have different sources. The light referring to the rays that stimulate sight shares an ancestor with Greek leukos ‘white’ (found in leukaemia (mid 19th century) a disease that affects the white blood cells), and Latin lux (source of lucid (late 16th century)). The light referring to weight comes from the same ancient root as lung (Old English)—the lightness of the lungs distinguishes them from other internal organs. This sense of light survives in lights (Middle English), the lungs of sheep, pigs or bullocks, used as food, especially for pets. If someone does something that creates a tense or exciting situation, people might say that they light the blue touch-paper. A touch-paper is a type of fuse that will burn slowly when touched by a spark. It is now only used with fireworks, but in the past would also have been a means for igniting gunpowder. The word lighten (Middle English) ‘shed light on’ is the source of lightning (Middle English).

Video

Rhymes

affright, alight, alright, aright, bedight, bight, bite, blight, bright, byte, cite, dight, Dwight, excite, fight, flight, fright, goodnight, height, ignite, impolite, indict, indite, invite, kite, knight, lite, might, mite, night, nite, outfight, outright, plight, polite, quite, right, rite, sight, site, skintight, skite, sleight, slight, smite, Snow-white, spite, sprite, tight, tonight, trite, twite, underwrite, unite, uptight, white, wight, wright, write

light2

adjective lʌɪtlaɪt
  • 1Of little weight; not heavy.

    轻的;容易提起的

    they are very light and portable

    它们很轻而且可随身携带。

    light alloy wheels
    you're as light as a feather

    你像羽毛一样轻。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • It comes with a lithium battery and AC adaptor and is light to carry.
    • Heavy or light, choose a weight that taxes you so that you approach failure at the end of each set.
    • There is also a weight limit excluding people who are either too heavy or too light for the game.
    • He worked on light metal alloys and the electrolytic production of potassium and sodium.
    • Theyv'e commented on how methodically I pack the trolley, heavy stuff to the bottom, light stuff to the top.
    • As the triceps is a very small muscle group, make sure you use a light weight, but do lots of repetitions.
    • It is confirmed the team are making only two stops, with the first part of the race driven on a light fuel load.
    • They had the benefit of astonishingly light, strong bodies, so we needn't feel too ashamed about lagging so far behind.
    • Wrap the dish in clingfilm and place in the fridge with a light weight on top for an hour or so, to allow the flavours to mingle before serving.
    • Royal Mail has said it wants to charge more for large but light items and less for small, heavy ones.
    • The large, sixteen-inch light alloy wheels add to the sporty dynamics of the car.
    • She was happy for the light load, she wasn't sure if her back could handle any more books.
    • No rifle that is light enough to carry will penetrate brush nor should it be expected to.
    • You don't want to come home with a light suitcase and a heavy heart.
    • The door gave way easily under her light bodyweight and Piper fell with a thud on the floor.
    • It was a shame that my body weight was still surprisingly light compared to the other teenagers.
    • Pigs have been bred to be fat or meaty, heavy or light, according to changing requirements at different periods.
    • At first she could walk for only six minutes on a treadmill, do four minutes on a rowing machine and lift a few light weights.
    • Unfortunately, he wasn't exactly small or light enough to move easily.
    • The end product has a high degree of stability as well as being light in weight.
    Synonyms
    easy to lift, not heavy, weighing very little, lightweight
    easy to carry, portable, transportable, weightless, insubstantial, airy
    1. 1.1 Deficient in weight, especially by a specified amount.
      分量不足的
      the sack of potatoes is 5 kilos light

      这袋土豆分量少了五公斤。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • His problem was that the car came up four pounds light at the scales following the run.
      • I was 200 kilos too light to be a linebacker, I guess.
  • 2Not strongly or heavily built or made.

    轻型的;小型的

    light, impractical clothes

    不实用的轻便服装。

    light armour

    轻型装甲。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • They have chosen to shed their heavy armor for loose and light garments such as our own.
    • He was walking in light footwear across his base camp on his way to the latrine.
    • The light clothes which will do for summer need to be changed for serious woollens, hoods and gloves for the freezing winds of winter.
    • His trademark is ready to wear dresses that are light and suitable for any occasion.
    • He realised that it would take more than the light armour which he had with him to do the work.
    • You'll only need a couple of sets of light clothes, so don't burden yourself down with luggage.
    • The main hazard of working on the streets is the cold - her light shoes are designed for the summer rather than bitter winter temperatures.
    • As I was dressed only in a light t-shirt, summer riding gloves, and jeans this was a bit of a cause for concern.
    • He was wearing light denim clothing, with nowhere to hide any explosives.
    • I settled down fully clothed under a light blanket and got into a good snoring rhythm.
    • She was clad in light metal armor, with a hood over her face.
    • Their light summer shoes get wet during the day and then their feet freeze at night.
    • The tapestry is weaved from a mixture of light linen and heavy velvet and is sometimes translucent, often opaque.
    • Even if you carry a light jacket with you its better than freezing that newly tanned skin.
    • The men are in plain clothes and wear light raincoats or light overcoats over their uniforms.
    • It is fairly dry all the year round, and light footwear is adequate unless there has been heavy rain.
    • It's cold enough for light woollens but not yet time to get into heavier clothing.
    • But as long as I have enough water to drink and light, loose clothes to wear, I'm sweaty but happy.
    • It is a thin, light blanket with ties to attach to a poncho, to give the wearer extra warmth in the rain.
    • Also pack shorts and light clothes for the warm sparkling days that can also often be enjoyed in summer.
    • Anthropometric measurements were taken with participants wearing light clothes and no shoes or socks.
    Synonyms
    flimsy, lightweight, insubstantial, thin
    delicate, floaty, gauzy, sheer, gossamer, diaphanous, transparent, translucent, see-through
    1. 2.1 Carrying or suitable for small loads.
      载重量轻的;适合轻载的
      light commercial vehicles

      轻型商用车。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • He said his father owned a light aircraft, which he was allowed to use.
      • These motoring paparazzi have been known to use helicopters and light aircraft in pursuit of their prey.
      • I had just missed some vehicles which were going to town and so I had to jump on a private light truck.
      • The year saw light truck production eclipse that of passenger cars in North America.
      • I do know a pilot who saved himself a load of fuel in a light plane by flying along the front of them on the right day!
      • Light vans drive more safely with rain tyres too.
      • Two light goods vehicles were impounded and 1,800 litres of illicit oil seized.
      • They were similar to the horses used for light carts and tradesmen's carts.
      • We should require auto makers to make cars, SUVs and light trucks that go farther on a gallon of gas.
      • Part of Paul's work will involve travelling by light aircraft to visit parishioners on the different islands.
      • They plan to be using it both as a light rail transport system and a tourist attraction.
      • The source population for study participants comprised drivers of light vehicles on public roads.
      • To reach the smaller islands you usually need to jump in a light aircraft.
      • For starters, we could increase the fuel efficiency of our cars and light trucks to 40 miles per gallon.
      • I decided to go and check it out, thinking that possibly a light aircraft had got into trouble.
      • There are no roads and it can only be reached by light aircraft or a two-hour express boat ride from the nearest large town.
      • Mrs Johnson said most of those not wearing a seatbelt were males driving work vans and light trucks.
      • A few cars, a few more red taxis and a light bus, yellow with a green top, drive on the right side of the road.
      • The launcher was a simple open-frame device holding sixteen rockets and capable of being towed behind a light truck.
      • A light lorry and a jeep were hit by a blast, possibly from a roadside bomb, on a busy road west of the capital.
    2. 2.2 Carrying only light armaments.
      轻装,只携带轻型武器的
      light infantry

      轻步兵。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Traces of the modus operandi of the light infantry of old still live on amidst special forces such as the SAS.
      • Sniper units are similar to the light infantry units but they operate in smaller teams.
      • The Dover Barrage was a combination of nets, mines and searchlights, patrolled by light craft.
      • The new aircraft have a light armament capability and can be used for security or defensive operations as well as for training.
      • Two light cruisers were being built in Italy but these were commandeered by the Italians in December 1941.
      • As a military reformer, Moore successfully developed light infantry tactics and training methods.
      • The pace of light infantry is limited to the speed of a soldier on foot.
      • For the most part these contingents have been based on a core component of light infantry.
      • In December 1939 it was taken over by the Kriegsmarine and armed for use as a light escort and patrol boat.
      • The army is on path to meet its future as a light armoured force, contrary to recent debate in the media.
      • Transportation of soldiers is another way mechanized forces can help light units.
      • In command of the light tanks, Patton headed a school and trained his tankers for combat.
    3. 2.3 (of a vehicle, ship, or aircraft) travelling unladen or with less than a full load.
      (车,船,飞机)空载的,轻载的
      Example sentencesExamples
      • That's because with empty tanks and a light car, you might find you have more grip than you expected.
      • This requires an optimized design of the vessel to minimize the light ship weight as much as possible.
    4. 2.4 (of soil) friable, porous, and workable.
      (土地)轻质的(质地疏松、多孔、易渗水的)
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Low rainfall and light soils of moderate fertility help control vine vigour and canopy here.
      • They also prefer a light sandy soil and maybe your clay is a bit heavy and wet for them.
      • Although the soil here is light, it is completely saturated and has held the water below the surface.
      • Sun is vital, so choose an open site on light soil with good drainage.
      • The African box thorn will grow on any soil, poor or rich, light or strong.
      • It tolerates salty conditions and actually prefers light, sandy soil, since it needs a supply of air to its roots.
      Synonyms
      friable, sandy, easily dug, workable
      crumbly, not dense, loose, porous
    5. 2.5 (of an isotope) having not more than the usual mass; (of a compound) containing such an isotope.
      (同位素)轻的;(化合物)含轻同位素的
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The lighter isotope of helium, helium - 3, is short of one neutron compared to its heavier version.
      • His idea was to use the material flux from an exploding fission weapon to compress a container that held the light isotopes.
  • 3Relatively low in density, amount, or intensity.

    (密度)较低的;(数量)较少的;(强度)较低的

    passenger traffic was light

    客流量较小。

    light autumn rains

    秋季小雨。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • We had run into pretty light resistance, and we had pushed out a couple of thousand yards.
    • At worst, a light drizzle can be stomached, a little nip on the temperature can be endured - but nothing more extreme.
    • It could carry 118,000 barrels of light oil products such as gasoline and heating oil.
    • I cycle to work the next day, through a light drizzle and heavy traffic.
    • Personally I do not find it as good in heavy or light winds as the Lewis kites.
    • The rain was light, but heavy enough to make you cold and uncomfortable after a few minutes.
    • When schools and university are on holiday, traffic is relatively light most of the time.
    • On Tuesday last Galway woke up to see all the motor vehicles covered with a light coating of brown sand.
    • The stars were out, and a light summer breeze teased my hair and brushed across my face.
    • If you wake early enough, you can catch a solid hour of light breezes and a certain summer coolness.
    • Traffic, now including vans, is using the minor road, which is only suitable for light traffic.
    • The valley is densely forested and lush; a light autumn snowfall dusts distant high peaks.
    • The following moisturiser is very light and gentle and suitable for all skin types.
    • There had been light snow showers earlier that morning when we took off for our first flight of the day.
    • We were at 700 feet and one and a half miles, with the visibility obscured by light fog.
    • Since the main part of the Jacobite army never engaged the enemy, losses were relatively light.
    • He'd walked her home through the light, early summer rain that was falling on the city.
    • But in the summer, a light body oil is also necessary to care for sun-drenched skin.
    • Indeed, some very light breezes saw racing starting late and we bring you results of the first two races with results to be confirmed.
    • What started as a light shower grew so heavy that she and her daughter began to fear that the roof would cave in.
    1. 3.1 (of sleep or a sleeper) easily disturbed.
      睡眠时易惊醒的,睡眠不酣的
      I'm a light sleeper
      her sleep was light and fitful
      Example sentencesExamples
      • She sat by his bed and watched him as he drifted in and out of a light, dreamless sleep.
      • I've always been a light sleeper, but years of travel mean I can pretty much fall asleep anywhere.
      • Unconsciousness happens in this state, as well as light sleep states, where dreams and hallucinations occur.
      • Taking a deep breath and hoping that he wasn't a light sleeper, she knocked on his door.
      • Abbey drifted off, the warm sun and gently rippling water lulling her into a light sleep.
      • She easily fell into a light sleep, wanting to be able to wake up at the slightest sign of danger.
      • The city noises drifted him into a light sleep until the cab driver's voice awoke him.
      • I am a fairly light sleeper, and do get woken very easily by sound.
      • She slipped into a light sleep, where nothing was wrong, and no one could hurt her.
      • It took me an hour of tossing and turning that night to fall into a light sleep.
      • The loud, high pitched ring of the kitchen phone drove me from my light sleep on the black couch.
      • She is a light sleeper and sleeping next to me does deprive her of what little sleep she does get.
      • Closing his eyes he fell into a light sleep, ready to awaken at the slightest noise.
      • She acknowledged his words with a nod, then drifted into a light sleep for a little while.
      • You move out of deep sleep and into light sleep several times during the night, resulting in poor sleep quality.
      • She closed her eyes and in a matter of seconds, she fell into a light sleep.
      • She was a very light sleeper and I had to be careful of how I moved, I had to be extremely quiet.
      • Just as she had drifted into a light sleep, the cordless phone beside her rang, waking her.
      • I'm normally a light sleeper, so it was a surprise that the husband was the first to notice this.
      • I'm quite a light sleeper, so even my answering machine taking a message usually wakes me.
    2. 3.2 Easily borne or done.
      容易承担的,易于忍受的;易做成的
      he received a light sentence

      他被从轻发落。

      some light housework

      一些轻松的家务活。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Should they be blogging regularly or only when they have a light work load?
      • Despite new and improved laws, judicial proceedings remain slow and the fines actually imposed are light.
      • She got a light sentence and I think the worst of her troubles are over.
      • But suggest a bit of light housework and he's all feral snarls and pulling rank.
      • I figure he must think he's only going to get a light sentence and a bit of a fine.
      • Six years is a light sentence for taking another man's life.
      • When the police bring anyone to justice in this country, some judges want to let off the scum of the land with light sentences.
      • What would you do if the men who were responsible were given light jail sentences?
      • Are they working to review the light sentence that has been handed out?
      • Typically, she received a very light sentence, soon revised downward.
      • His sentence had been relatively light, as she never accused him of violating her.
      • Sentences in the UK are relatively light, averaging around nine months.
      • Sit up, do light housework, or take a walk until your body has had a chance to digest.
      • The plaintiff's back injury only allowed him to take on light work.
      • The prosecutors left the Court without explaining the request for such a light sentence.
      • This is giving a clear green light to burglars to commit this crime as they are more than likely to get a very light sentence or be put on a drug rehab programme.
      • One officer may sleep if the work load is light, while the other monitors the flight.
      • Always walk or do another light cardiovascular exercise for five minutes before you work out.
      • The All Blacks enjoyed a day of light training today with key players carrying injuries.
      • Still expecting a light sentence, he was crushed by his condemnation to indefinite imprisonment.
      • However in reality many people who do assist in euthanasia get fairly light sentences.
      Synonyms
      easy, simple, undemanding, untaxing, unexacting, not burdensome, moderate, endurable, bearable, tolerable
      informal cushy
  • 4(of food or a meal) small in quantity and easy to digest.

    (食物,膳食)少量而易消化的

    a light supper

    量少而容易消化的晚餐。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • People who sign up as members will be invited to help themselves to a light buffet after the formal launch of the group.
    • Tickets for the event cost only £5 each and that also includes a light supper.
    • Breakfast is a light meal of bread, cereal, yogurt, and coffee or hot chocolate.
    • It was light and tasty, but rather deficient in the garlic stakes.
    • So within half an hour of getting Mig's phonecall we were meeting him and going for a light breakfast.
    • Prawn risotto with dill and creme fraiche had all the promise of a light but punchy starter.
    • Here, cooks will prepare a light meal of mixed salad, tinned cold fish or meat, bread and cheese and fruit.
    • You can poach or fry the eggs, keeping the yolks runny, and serve with a salad for a light lunch or supper.
    • I went on to eat a light breakfast and to get my morning writing session done, then felt decidedly dozy.
    • Pita meat pie often is the final course of a meal or is served as a light supper on its own.
    • The Princess had requested a light buffet lunch, including a selection of local cheeses.
    • On Sunday morning, we have a light breakfast and then head for the shops.
    • He invited me up to join him for a light meal as a token of gratitude for helping his people.
    • Speaking of which, the Rex has a decent menu of light meals and snacks, and offers a variety of draft beers.
    • Eating a light meal before your treatment may also help prevent nausea and vomiting.
    • Chris and I went for a walk up over the hill and had a light brunch at the Reverie Cafe in Cole Valley.
    • Palestinians often buy snacks or light meals from street vendors as they go about their daily business.
    • The menu had a fair range of options from light snacks to full meals.
    • I did some studying after eating my light lunch of 9 sushi rolls and a big glass of tea.
    • James Bond would have invited her into the front seat and suggested a light lunch of sea food and champagne.
    Synonyms
    small, modest, scanty, simple, skimpy, frugal, not heavy, not rich, not large
    easily digested, digestible
    1. 4.1 (of a foodstuff) low in fat, cholesterol, sugar, or other rich ingredients.
      (食品)清淡的,(脂肪、胆固醇、糖或其他多油成分)含量低的
      stick to a light diet

      坚持吃清淡食品。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Aljotta is a light fish soup relying heavily on garlic and marjoram for flavour.
      • It was halibut, light but intense, melting but singing with flavour.
      • Place the peach in a light sugar syrup with the cracked peach pit for flavour.
      • The main course was a choice of stuffed baby squid or sautéed pork tenderloin on a light Thai green curry sauce.
      • If you want the granny apple to hold slightly and maintain its shape, you can cook it gently in a light sugar syrup.
      • As I did not have milk on hand, I used light whipping cream in addition to regular.
      • They were doused in a light tomato sauce that seeped into the big mound of rice below.
      • Occasional sweets notwithstanding, the royal children were raised on very simple, light foods.
      • The mash was good and the lemon and herby drizzle made this a light and delicate follow-on to the full-flavoured fish soup.
      • The tuna tartare was mixed in a light cream sauce, and served with a mound of black caviar.
      • Hold the rich sauces and have a light soup for a starter with fresh fruit for desert.
      • These are topped off by a variety of puddings ranging from light sorbets to incredibly rich chocolate mousses.
      • The spring veggies were another hit: baby carrots, asparagus, French greens and corn in light soy sauce.
      • It was white, fleshy and not oily, cooked in a light batter and served with a white cream sauce and mushrooms.
      • The champagne cream sauce was refreshingly light and brought out the best of my wife's salmon filet.
      • Adding some light dairy products to a smart diet was first seen as a way to lower blood pressure.
      • Each doctor that saw her said something different about her diet; food, no food, light diet; no food!
      • The sweet, light tomato sauce provides space and support for the pungent, spicy salami and cheese.
      • The thinly-sliced chicken had been poached in a light and delicate broth infused with lime leaf and coriander.
      • These were covered in a light garlic-flavoured batter and came with a tangy Neopolitan sauce.
    2. 4.2 (of drink) not strongly alcoholic or heavy on the stomach.
      a light Hungarian wine

      一杯淡味匈牙利酒。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Start with dry white wines, then do medium whites, then light reds, then stronger reds.
      • Imported light beers are up across the board, while domestic lights are a mixed bag.
      • I took a seat on a high barstool amongst the quiet and serious four and ordered half a pint of light ale for the golden pound I had had in my right pocket.
      • Beer is consumed as a typical light alcoholic beverage, while rum is the hard liquor of choice.
      • If there was ever a drink that summed up a decade, it was this light, unobtrusive, fizzy red wine from central Italy.
      • For other cheesy dishes, a light, fruity red wine is sometimes better.
      • If it immediately drains back into the glass, then it probably is a light alcohol or dry wine.
      • I yelled at Dex who sat so happily on the couch with his feet on top of the table and a bottle of light beer in his hand.
      • Pale green in the glass, with golden highlights, this is a soft, light wine with attractive floral notes.
      • Many dishes need a full-bodied wine with an oak overlay and would suffer in tandem with a light, fruity wine.
      • Bierzo, abutting Galicia in the north west, shows promise with its light fragrant reds from the Mencía grape.
      • Schiava grapes are found in most of the non-varietal light red wines of Trentino-Alto Adige.
      • Your best bet is to drink the light or low-carb beer you like best and to do so in moderation.
      • It's a lovely little wine, light but packed with flavour, perfect chilled before dinner or for sitting out in the sun.
      • I went out for light drinks with a mate after work last night and was home by 8.30 pm.
      • Beer can range from light ales to dark stouts depending on the proportions of malt and barley.
      • It's like drinking club soda that has been watered down and mixed with flat light beer.
      • Effects are more or less the same whether light, regular or alcohol-free beer is consumed.
      • The wine tasted so light that they drank a lot without any consideration.
      • I started with light beers and ended up with dark, as is recommended to appreciate the flavours properly.
    3. 4.3 (of pastry or cake) fluffy or well aerated during cooking.
      (糕饼、海绵状松蛋糕等食品)蓬松多孔的
      it was delicious, the pastry light and flaky
      Example sentencesExamples
      • This rhubarb and blueberry soufflé is light, lovely, rich and drop-dead gorgeous.
      • Modern Banbury cakes are small and oval, made of light flaky pastry with a crisp top achieved by a powdering of sugar before baking.
      • But fruit cakes can also be light and non-alcoholic when made with fresh fruit.
      • On my plate was some melon, sweet and fragrant, and a star-shaped pastry so light and flaky, I hardly dared pick it up.
      • Ann beat me to choosing the mince tart, and excellent it was, with acceptably light pastry.
      • The sticky toffee pudding had a light sponge and moreish caramel sauce, all of which disappeared fast.
      • The pastry was light and the pears and ice cream moreish to the point of danger.
      • The sweetbreads were fine, raised above the mediocre by a wonderfully sweet and light pastry.
      • I also enjoy a light, fluffy omelet, or maybe basted eggs with bacon or strawberries and dry toast.
      • Cream together the unsalted butter and demerara sugar until light and fluffy.
      • The naan breads in particular were lovely and light and fluffy.
      • The pastry was light and flaky, and the insides were pleasant enough, if a little lacking in spice.
      • This has ground almonds and the texture is almost light, although it is rich and moist.
      • Beat the butter and caster sugar in a bowl until light and creamy.
      • Cream the margarine and sugar until light and fluffy, then add the beaten egg a little at a time while continuing to work.
      • The pastry was crisp and light and the salad was the kind where you wanted to eat every scrap.
      • It's almost impossible to choose between a cake layered with cream cheese frosting and a lighter white sponge cake with whipped cream and strawberries.
      • The base was perfectly cooked, light and fresh, the mushroom topping rich and full of flavour.
      • In a large bowl beat the butter and confectioners sugar until light and fluffy.
      • My other half gave top marks to her hot smoked haddock tartlet, made with light filo pastry and served up with asparagus and a poached egg.
  • 5Gentle or delicate.

    轻柔的,温柔的

    she planted a light kiss on his cheek

    她轻轻地在他的脸颊上吻了一下。

    my breathing was steady and light

    我的呼吸平稳而轻柔。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • He stood up and finished getting dressed and gave her a light, shaky kiss on the cheek.
    • She wrapped her arm around Jamie's waist and gave him a light squeeze and a kiss on the cheek.
    • Even Levine, looking tired, doesn't approach the podium with a light step these days.
    • His touch was light and gentle, being extra careful of not putting any pressure on my back.
    • Apply generously with light strokes and avoid brushing over it again once it's on.
    • I kissed her, a light brush of the lips, but still enough to let her know how much I wanted her.
    • Still she could not resist walking a few steps forward, to drop a light kiss onto his forehead.
    • The kiss was light and brief, but it was the most amazing thing I'd ever felt.
    • The knock on the front door was light, and at first I wasn't certain of it.
    • She pasted on a smile, though, as John Taylor gave her a light hug and kissed her cheek.
    • It was clear now that she was indeed sleeping, her light breathing in no way hindered.
    • He felt her fingers intertwine with his as he started placing light kisses along her jaw again.
    • She did not shy from him; instead she kissed him back, a light and quick brush of the lips.
    • Her fingers were light and gentle upon the keys, and the machine responded by whirring into action.
    • She giggled lightly and turned to give him a light kiss.
    • The therapy is very gentle, using only light touch, but it is amazing in its results.
    • She turned back to face him, as she felt his hand on her shoulder, his touch as light as the gentle caress of a flower.
    • This pulse is felt with a light pressure of the fingers, just resting on the artery.
    • When he was halfway across the street, he heard both heavy and light footsteps behind him.
    • She accepted his hand, tensing a bit when his thumb made one light stroke of her knuckles.
    Synonyms
    gentle, delicate, soft, dainty, graceful
    faint, indistinct
    1. 5.1 (of type) having thin strokes; not bold.
      (字体)细体的
      times shown in light type denote connecting services
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The thickness of the font was kind of perfect for our logo, not too bold and not too light.
  • 6(of entertainment) requiring little mental effort; not profound or serious.

    (娱乐)消遣的,轻松的;易懂的

    pop is thought of as light entertainment

    流行音乐被认为是一种消遣性娱乐。

    some light reading

    一些轻松的消遣性读物。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • In recent years, McCartney has branched into composing light classical music.
    • After this I thought I'd do a little light reading.
    • The run will finish with an awards presentation, BBQ and some light entertainment.
    • Apart from the usual academic books, books for light reading and for serious reading are also available.
    • Otherwise, this is a relatively short and light featurette on the art of movie music.
    • Picking up the papers I eyed it warily, it was obviously not going to be light reading.
    • The novel is a light read that promises to tax you no more than a politician at election time.
    • They were always intended to be light pieces to entertain and to dance to.
    • It is possible that Rob will change the face of light entertainment in Britain.
    • It would, said the theory, take the world's most popular game and turn it into mainstream light entertainment.
    • In the meantime, we can enjoy this story, which is a nice little bit of light reading.
    • Wavell had, it seems, an interest both in light fiction and serious history.
    • Anyone seeking a little light reading had better steer clear of this book.
    • None of the inherent whimsy is lost and the film remains an incredibly moving but suitably light piece.
    • As such this is not going to be a film for someone looking for a couple of hours of light entertainment.
    • While the racy title and erotic cover art might suggest a light read, nothing could be further from the truth.
    • A huge bestseller in Spain, the novel has been criticised by some on the left for serving up a light version of the civil war.
    • Those with pocket money obtained all kinds of novels, serious and light.
    • With no humour and very little in the way of hope, this is certainly not light entertainment.
    • Yes, I know it's jokey, light, entertaining fare, but it's good as well.
    Synonyms
    entertaining, lightweight, diverting, recreative, undemanding, easily understood, middle-of-the-road
    amusing, humorous, funny, chucklesome, witty, light-hearted
    frivolous, unserious, superficial, trivial, trifling
    1. 6.1 Not solemn or unhappy; cheerful.
      I left the island with a light heart

      我轻松愉快地离开了那个岛。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • His voice had lost its light laughter, and the love of the buildings he had lived with all his life showed through.
      • All day, there are thoughts both weighty and light dancing through my head.
      • The first part of the story ends at a very natural point in the story, and on a suitably light moment.
      • The overall tone is considerably lighter than in Chaucer's poem, the play being diversified with songs and lyrical passages.
      • Looking for a little light relief, I flipped over to a TV auction channel, to see what I didn't want to buy today.
      • Well, that's a fairly light musing for the evening after much of my heavier writings on here.
      • The film is full of jokes and humour - it has a light, positive, happy feeling.
      • Penn keeps the tone of the film extremely light, as the action effortlessly hops between Florida and Beverly Hills.
      Synonyms
      gentle, mild, moderate, slight
      playful, light-hearted, easy-going
      witty, dry
      carefree, light-hearted, cheerful, cheery, happy, merry, jolly, blithe, bright, sunny, untroubled
      buoyant, vivacious, bubbly, jaunty, bouncy, breezy, optimistic, positive, upbeat, ebullient, easy-going, free and easy, happy-go-lucky
      dated gay
  • 7archaic (of a woman) having many casual sexual encounters or relationships.

    Example sentencesExamples
    • Jude found the room full of soldiers and light women.

Phrases

  • be light on

    • Be rather short of.

      很缺乏

      we're light on fuel

      我们燃料紧缺。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • The novel is light on the amount of dialogue, but very lyrical and poetic.
      • I remember the letters were light on news about his military life and more focused on her.
      • Though the talk was light on actual development details, the fact remains that Nom 2 is one hell of a crazy game.
      • I apologize we were light on the show notes, a bit light on the content, and there were no technical segments.
      • In reality, the session was light on content, and relatively few major bills were passed.
      • Such civil litigation is labour intensive, and like all capital defence offices, we were light on labour.
      • I've complained before about movies being light on plot, but this one is absolutely plot-free.
      • He has been light on policy while exhorting voters to abandon the stale battle between right and left.
      • News of the hacker's exploit this morning has been light on details.
      • He did 32 very fine films for Columbia which were light on song and heavy with drama.
  • be light on one's feet

    • (of a person) be quick or nimble.

      (人)动作迅速,敏捷

      she may be plump but she is very light on her feet
      Example sentencesExamples
      • No two research projects are ever the same, and you can see why we have to be light on our feet and innovative in our thinking.
      • But in developing new products we have to be light on our feet and create them faster than potential competitors.
      • And former champ Holyfield has proven himself to be light on his feet both inside and outside the boxing ring.
      • I can't imagine what it's like to be light on my feet, to wear a bikini bathing suit, or to have one chin.
      • As the competition continues to come in, we're going to have to be light on our feet, as is everyone.
      • Of course, you could see a clump of mud coming toward you and if you were light on your feet you could side-step it.
      • As she dances around the ring, she is light on her feet and moves with the grace and subtle strength of a ballet dancer in a pas de deux.
      • We just have to be light on our feet and go with whatever we think is best for the situation.
      • She was never exactly a ballerina but she could be light on her feet if she needed to be.
      • We hired a swing band, so there was a ton of dancing and I was light on my feet well past midnight.
      Synonyms
      nimble, deft, agile, lithe, limber, lissom, flexible, supple, adroit, graceful, acrobatic, lively, active, quick, quick-moving, spry, sprightly
      light-footed, fleet-footed
      informal twinkle-toed, nippy
      literary fleet, lightsome
  • a light touch

    • The ability to deal with something tactfully or in an understated way.

      机敏老练的应对本领;不动声色地处理问题的方法

      a novel which handles its tricky subject with a light touch

      一部将棘手的主题处理得十分巧妙的小说。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • This is romantic comedy skillfully rendered with a light touch and complete with a colorful cast of characters.
      • No doubt you missed our light touch with that heavyweight issue on torture last week.
      • It is his light touch that allows Weschler to get away with such parallels; he never pushes a point too far.
      • There is a light touch to the way the story is told which never detracts from the central mystery of that evil.
      • The character commentaries are handled with a light touch, thus avoiding the deadly sin of belaboring a joke past the point of humor.
      • Her directing is right on, and her light touch steers Galloway deftly through some black humor.
      • He says that the City of London must retain its light touch and risk-based regulatory regime.
      • Directed with wit and a light touch, the production flew like the wind, but never so quickly that the zany personalities got lost in the rush.
      • Carver had a light touch as a teacher of creative writing and he did not consider it was his job to discourage anyone.
      • My clients appreciate my light touch and a cool head when it comes to dividing marital assets, custody agreements and determining child support or spousal support.
  • make light of

    • Treat as unimportant.

      不重视

      I didn't mean to make light of your problems

      我并非有意轻视你的问题。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • I mean, really, I don't think it fits your style to make light of terrorism and war like that.
      • This is the second time Mr Howard has made light of such an incident.
      • Companies that make light of elders are finding a consumer force to reckon with.
      • It is an incredibly traumatic experience that should be seriously treated and never made light of.
      • He who neglects this should not be surprised if his students make light of him.
      • It is disheartening some people are trying to make light of a serious situation.
      • To make light of the threat posed by these determined fanatics - as some in Britain are now trying to do - is self-delusional at best and suicidal at worst.
      • Unfortunately, the subtlety, range and freshness of her work has too often been ignorantly made light of.
      • Armour made light of subjects like history and literature with mild satire characterized by ridiculous over-use of foot-notes, which were often even funnier than the text.
      • The company withdrew an ad after an advocacy group charged that it made light of sex abuse.
      Synonyms
      play down, downplay, understate, underrate, rate too low, not do justice to, do an injustice to, underplay, de-emphasize, underemphasize, trivialize, minimize, diminish, downgrade, reduce, lessen, brush aside, gloss over, shrug off
      informal soft-pedal, sell short
      rare misprize, minify
  • make light work of

    • Accomplish (a task) quickly and easily.

      快速而轻松完成(任务)

      make light work of cooking with the help of this electronic food processor
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Sea Scout crews made light work of the locks, for some of the crews this was their first canal boating experience.
      • High praise is due to our server, who made light work of snaking his way through the thickets of humanity.
      • Having bowled out their opponents for 170, the home side made light work of knocking off the required runs with more than 18 overs to spare.
      • The world's best male and female sprint hurdlers also made light work of the conditions to beat high quality fields.
      • At the end of the day-long meeting, he made light work of summing up the main points.
      • It was their powerful four-wheel drive car that made light work of the muddy roads that connected the villages.
      • This photo shows Sam and his mighty chainsaw making light work of one of the many trees that were downed during a recent storm.
      • Second seed Power made light work of his opening encounter in the Hungarian Open Squash Championship.
      • The home side made light work of a depleted Alstonville line-up with a 3-nil win.
      • I watched in amazement as it made light work of blending a whole assortment of foods, which, from experience, I knew my cheap high street blender would never have handled.
  • travel light

    • Travel with a minimum load or minimum luggage.

      轻装旅行

      she's one of those backpackers who likes to travel light
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The grooms travelled light with a razor in their pockets, and few other personal items.
      • We all travelled light, taking with us only what we considered to be the bare essentials of life.
      • Frank travelled light around the world, with one small cardboard suitcase and a canvas rucksack.
      • We travelled light, carrying just a sleeping bag and spare clothing, and eating and sleeping in village lodges.
      • The commandos and Special Forces traveled light and were trained for this kind of backwoods work.
      • The website could provide you with some helpful hints and advice so that you can travel light and still look stylish at your destination.
      • The key to travelling light is keeping everything you take to a minimum.
      • Though we traveled light, indispensable to us on board were two books we re-read and consulted constantly.
      • Just like Clinton he travelled light for quick travel without family, friends, and the US press.
      • As always, he traveled light on this trip with nothing but a knapsack containing a change of clothes and a loaf of bread.

Derivatives

  • lightish

  • adjectiveˈlʌɪtɪʃˈlaɪdɪʃ
    • It's a lightish drinking wine and a good Pinot for the money.
      Example sentencesExamples
      • But if you are going to float-fish using a lightish rod and centrepin you will in most instances be restricted to marginal swims.
      • Transfixed by a sports agenda of lightish news, the BBC failed to see the real story.
      • In addition to the eggs, he puts in a little flour, some milk or a little water, and makes a lightish sort of batter.
      • It's a good place to take someone you are trying to impress, especially for lightish food.

Origin

Old English lēocht, līht (noun), lēohte (adverb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch licht and German leicht, from an Indo-European root shared by lung.

light3

verblit, lighted lʌɪtlaɪt
[no object]
  • 1light on/uponCome upon or discover by chance.

    偶然碰见;偶然发现;偶然获得

    he lit on a possible solution

    他偶然发现了一种可能有效的解决办法。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • Upon arriving in Sonoma, she lit upon the idea of launching a high-end home store where she could combine both her passions under one roof.
    • Kelly does repeat a few jokes, and maybe I lighted on these instances instead of the ones I recall.
    • In the search for a text, Elgar lit upon his mother's favourite poet, Longfellow.
    • The sunlight struck upon my face and my eyes lit upon the white and sandy shores of France.
    • Galvin is the best restaurant I have lit upon this year.
    • He turned to go home; but even as he turned, his eye lit upon a figure behind a tree.
    Synonyms
    come across, chance on, hit on, happen on, stumble on/across, blunder on, find, discover, uncover, arrive at, encounter, think of, come up with
  • 2archaic Descend.

    〈古〉下来

    from the horse he lit down

    他从马背上下来。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • Gently she handed the little girl to her mother and they lighted from their horses.
    1. 2.1light on Fall and settle or land on (a surface)
      落在,降落在(表面上)
      a feather just lighted on the ground

      一片羽毛刚刚飘落到地面上。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • A thrush had lighted on a bough not five meters away, almost at the level of their faces.
      • It was said with a grin but that didn't dilute the cloud that lighted on the soldier's face.

Phrasal Verbs

  • light into

    • Criticize severely; attack.

      〈北美,非正式〉严厉批评;抨击

      he lit into him for his indiscretion

      他因言行失检而挨了他一顿痛骂。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • One student said something to the effect of ‘everyone calm down’ and then Zack lit into that guy.
      • But instead I sighed and got up and stepped into the fray to mediate, whereupon grandma entered and lit into me.
      • The magazine gleefully lit into its competitors in its May 14 issue, but it makes its own share of blunders.
      • She made the mistake of looking up to make a cruel statement when Nicolette saw her face and lit in to her more.
      • He lit into the head of his National Security Forces.
      Synonyms
      scold, berate, upbraid, castigate, censure, condemn, lambaste, criticize, reprimand, rebuke, chide, reprove, admonish, harangue, take to task, lay into, rant at, rave at, rail at, revile, fulminate against, call over the coals, haul over the coals
      assault, set upon, fall on, attack, assail, turn on, lash out at, round on, strike, beat
  • light out

    • Depart hurriedly.

      〈北美,非正式〉匆匆离开

      he lit out for California to ‘find’ himself
      Example sentencesExamples
      • His memoir talks about how he gave up the life of a photographer in London and lit out for Paris and how I lit out after him.
      • He was the quintessential American: the Easterner who headed West, lighting out for the Territories, looking back over his shoulder only to make sure no one was following.
      • Janie then lit out of the house with her shotgun, telling Pa she was off to find Lyddie June.
      • We are a society of people who light out for the territory when problems come along.
      • Two weeks ago they lit out again, this time to surrender.
      • People have lit out after him and it just transforms the whole sport.
      • I looked at Hanse and nodded and we lit out again.
      • Although I was wearing tennis shoes - a big ‘no-no’ when you're in snake country - I lit out at a full run behind a huge black snake I spotted.
      • MacAdams, a white poet and journalist from Texas who lit out for the cool of New York, is part of it too.
      • After breakfast he tries to get some exercise until about 10.15 am, then he reads newspapers, does crosswords and reads his books for the rest of the afternoon before dinner and lights out about 9pm.
      • A bunch of us lit out from Maryland and headed down through the Allegheny Mountains to the southwest corner of West Virginia.
      • Just after his twentieth birthday, in 1916, Alves Reis lit out for the Portuguese colony of Angola to make his fortune.
      • In 1975, the twenty year old Heimo Korth lit out for Alaska, built a fourteen by fourteen foot cabin, and married a native woman.
      • After my assignation in the piney woods, I lit out and did not look back.

Origin

Old English līhtan (in (sense 2); also 'lessen the weight of'), from light2; compare with alight1.

light1

nounlītlaɪt
  • 1The natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible.

    Visible light is electromagnetic radiation whose wavelength falls within the range to which the human retina responds, i.e., between about 390 nm (violet light) and 740 nm (red). White light consists of a roughly equal mixture of all visible wavelengths, which can be separated to yield the colors of the spectrum, as was first demonstrated conclusively by Newton. In the 20th century it has become apparent that light consists of energy quanta called photons that behave partly like waves and partly like particles. The velocity of light in a vacuum is 299,792 km per second

    the light of the sun

    太阳的光芒。

    in singular the street lamps shed a faint light into the room

    街上的路灯将一缕微弱的光线投到房间里。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • He had carried out research into light and how it interacts with atoms.
    • In the village the fields were being turned, and men and women worked in the damp soil from light to dusk.
    • Einstein used Planck's quantum hypothesis to describe the electromagnetic radiation of light.
    • LEDs are made of semiconductor chips and emit light when a current passes through them.
    • In that case, what you need to know before choosing when to take your picture is that the colour of light changes throughout the day.
    • The windows were ablaze with light, the heavy wooden doors still open.
    • Look at them at different times of the day, and in both natural and incandescent light.
    • Dark clothes don't glow because the dark pigments absorb the UV light.
    • I wanted to sleep a little longer, but the faint light of the sun had awakened me.
    • We really do not know what would happen to time when an object passes the speed of light.
    • Stockholm is beautiful in the mornings, the golden light glinting off the buildings.
    • The light from a nearby street lamp paints her face a garish yellow.
    • This is another good time to walk outside and expose yourself to some natural light.
    • The plants were grown in natural light with no supplementary lighting.
    • She rose to her feet and passed into the light of the full moon.
    • The sun was setting low, casting a dull orange light in the sky.
    • The abstract representations are also a reflection of the artist's mastery over colour and light.
    • The garden was lit only by the light of the moon and all was silent.
    • Normally, water in the distance is seen by its ability to reflect light off of its surface.
    • The large garden around the swimming pool shone in the glimmering light of many multicolored candles.
    Synonyms
    illumination, brightness, luminescence, luminosity, shining, gleaming, gleam, brilliance, radiance, lustre, glowing, glow, blaze, glare, dazzle
    daylight, light of day, natural light, sunlight
    1. 1.1 A source of illumination, especially an electric lamp.
      (电)灯
      a light came on in his room

      他房里亮起了一盏灯。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • The car's lights went off and only enhanced the feeling of shadow.
      • I could see red, white and blue strobe lights flashing all along the water on the Manhattan side.
      • Down the street, a solitary porch light flickered and called out to him.
      • The huge primary lights in the ceiling were darkened but the scattered emergency lights gave some illumination.
      • When illuminated with electric lights or candles, the pumpkins radiate the same muted colors as stained-glass windows.
      • Fluorescent lights or special grow lamps also work if left on about 14 to 16 hours per day.
      • She moved quietly to her front porch where the light was turned on for her.
      • There was an electric light at the top of the staircase but there was no bulb in it at the time of the accident.
      • The aircraft took off in the dark with the runway illuminated by truck lights.
      • Everything is brightly lit once the UV lights are turned on.
      • Andy turned out the lights in the room and got into bed.
      • With only the ceiling lights for illumination, the soldier couldn't tell the time of day.
      • The city's lights lit up the skyline and created an almost magical glow.
      • Hang paper chains or other decorations well away from lights or any other source of heat.
      • Shadows, cast by the trees blocking the porch light outside the windows, dance over the coffee table.
      • After a few days without lights, electric heat or TV, your stress level shoots through the roof.
      • When Pete flicks out the electric lights, we are plunged into inky darkness and ringing silence.
      • We didn't have a bathroom or electric power or lights and things until I was about 17 years old.
      • The police also found a fluorescent light, a grow lamp, ballast, and thermometer.
      • The tunnel is quite elaborate, too, with electric lights and reinforced walls.
      Synonyms
      lamp, torch, flashlight
    2. 1.2lights Decorative illuminations.
      装饰灯
      Christmas lights

      圣诞彩灯。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • And as the midnight hour approached, the tall ships decorated with tiny lights turned with the crowds towards the Harbour Bridge.
      • Instead of the usual studio lighting he used the available light sources visible in the shot, such as lamps, Christmas tree lights and so forth.
      • When we got to school, they had the cafeteria all decorated up with lights and balloons.
      • Fairy lights were switched on and music played.
      • For the past couple of years, the appearance of Christmas lights and festive decorations has heralded the arrival of a weighty travel anthology.
      • The builders, Deeks and Steere plc of Godalming, had hung lights outside the church to add to the festive spirit.
      • Both cottages were beautifully decorated with festive lights and welcome home banners last Thursday morning before the group arrived.
      • Cubes, stars, lanterns and chilli peppers - decorative lights aren't just for Christmas.
      • At one end of the temple room there was a white coffin decorated with neon flashing lights and flowers.
      • Backed by a sensational new lights, projection and laser show, The Australian Pink Floyd Show are truly stunning.
      • Decorative neon lights in business districts are being turned off in order to save enough power for production or air conditioning.
      • As the sun sets on the skyscrapers, neon lights hug the outsides of the buildings, making the skyline look as impressive at night as it does during the day.
      • Church bells, laser lights, fireworks and a town crier announced the beginning of the festive season in Leigh.
      • All the shops are full of Christmas spirit and the lights and decorations are beautiful.
      • As the SUV jeep slowly pulled into traffic Christmas lights glittered in the night for Christmas morning.
      • If it is any consolation, it gave me time to admire the decorative lights put up by some people in their homes and gardens.
      • Huge neon lights decorated the outside and, in many different colors, advertised the many different games inside the casino.
      • Winston walked past me in the den with a giant cardboard box full of Christmas lights that he took outside.
      • Good use was also made of neon lights, phosphorescent glow sticks, reflectors, fiber optics, and a thumping dance floor.
      • A rising star in classical music is to perform in Bolton at the Christmas lights switch-on.
    3. 1.3 A traffic light.
      交通灯,红绿灯
      turn right at the light

      见到红绿灯向右转。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Not satisfied with that, they then put in more lights, making more traffic snarls.
      • Imagine the flow of traffic without lights and signs.
      • The look, of course, was no big deal, but the preposterous wheelspinning start as the lights went green certainly was.
      • Maybe it's just difficult for them to control the horses in Central London, and that's why the guy jumped the light.
      • Another plan includes installation of signal lights at some junctions on the ring roads.
      • Imagine his surprise when traffic coming through the lights headed straight for him.
      • Sadly, over one year after the lights were restored the traffic situation has not improved.
      • I don't want to drive these things wide open on the street, but we'll run them zero to 60 at the next few lights.
      • Queuing traffic at the numerous lights in and around the High Street creates more congestion.
      • With a lights controlled junction at Feehily's corner this would make things safer for both vehicles and pedestrians.
    4. 1.4 The amount or quality of light in a place.
      照明,光照
      the plant requires good light

      植物需要好的光照。

      in some lights she could look beautiful
      Example sentencesExamples
      • It's a very frightening place that has been designed to have no natural light.
      • With one side of the room completely dedicated to windows, there is good natural light.
      • His eyes were grey; they just looked brown in certain lights.
      • The cramped room was dark and gloomy, a faint stream of gentle light streaming through the grimy window.
      • This plant is an annual that is easy to start from seed and is not fussy about soil or light.
      • To the left, the living room faces the front garden and gets plenty of natural light.
      • She narrowed her dark eyes in the strong light, and turned around to go back to the main street.
      • It was a small space with a narrow vertical slit window which admitted some natural light.
      • The main reception area has an open plan living/dining room which has a good deal of natural light.
      • On entering this vast sanctum, one is immediately struck by the quality of space and light.
      • She feared the new houses on the school site would block light to her bungalow and invade her privacy.
      • Large sky-lights draw in enough natural light to ensure the room remains bright and sunny.
      • Daffodils require very bright light, such as that found in a greenhouse, to flower well.
      • We get fluorescent desklamps to compensate for the lack of natural light - and boy, do they make up for it!
      • The main bedroom is to the rear of the house and is quite spacious with plenty of light from a large dormer window.
      • What faint light was in the room was extinguished as pure blackness engulfed her.
      • The deer can look black in some lights and have a white rump.
      • Domestic buildings do not need a lot of light but buildings where people work need to be well lit.
      • On the walls were mirrors which reflected what little natural light came through the portholes around the room.
      • I resume my watch but the light is failing so I exchange my camera for my rifle.
  • 2in singular An expression in someone's eyes indicating a particular emotion or mood.

    眼神

    a shrewd light entered his eyes

    他眼里闪烁着精明的目光。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • No words could describe that feeling of supreme joy at seeing the light in her eyes.
    • She had a very soft beauty to her, but she had a fierce light in her eyes.
    • There was a new light in his eye that Adriane had never seen, a vengeful, vicious emotion.
    • His features softened when he saw her, though there was no light of recognition in his eyes.
    • She seemed very pale and weak, the light from her eyes, gone.
    1. 2.1lights A person's opinions, standards, and abilities.
      人生见解;处世标准;智慧能力
      leaving the police to do the job according to their lights

      让警方按他们自己的想法处理此事。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • The good of human freedom, by European lights, must be weighed against the risk and cost of actually fighting for it.
      • He was, by his lights at least, honest with me.
      • It seems to me that they were a state, but they had a legal system which, according to their lights, was divinely ordained.
      • I think that the president is a basically decent man who is trying to do the best he can according to his lights.
      Synonyms
      talent, skill, ability
  • 3Understanding of a problem or mystery; enlightenment.

    (对问题的)了解;(对疑团的)识破;启迪

    she saw light dawn on the woman's face

    她从那女人的脸上看出她已明白了事情的端倪。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • For our part we have to accept that there is no particular light shed on the matters in issue from it.
    • Here, most tellingly, the study misses the light shed by new Western studies.
    • His experience, and that of others, deserve to have light shed on them.
    • The light of knowledge characterises John's spiritual development and devotion to God.
    • I found you on the net, and hope you may give some light to this mystery for me!
    • Both of them would be happy if someone could shed the light onto the mystery behind their child.
    • He was very confused, but then, when light dawned, he took much glee in pointing out I'd paid the exact same amount as I would have before my haggling.
    • The light of knowledge is necessary to expel this demon of ignorance, he says.
    Synonyms
    aspect, angle, slant, approach, interpretation, viewpoint, standpoint, context, point of view, vantage point
    understanding, enlightenment, illumination, comprehension, insight, awareness, knowledge, elucidation, explanation, clarification, edification
    1. 3.1 Spiritual illumination by divine truth.
      圣灵亮光
      Example sentencesExamples
      • At the moment I am only on the first steps of Buddhism but I see it as the only light in a very confusing world.
      • We all can trust in the words of the Lord as he brings hope in place of despair and light in place of darkness.
      • Let the light of the Spirit fill your heart today with the goodness and glory of God.
      • But if we resist God's Spirit of light and mercy, we are promised the rod of correction.
      • The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
      • Some of Christ's sufferings were a consequence of the ineffable divine light granted to him.
      • The light of the divine shines everywhere, and has no gender, and has no single pronoun, and has no one image.
      • It is not that we are illuminated by the divine light, but that the truth we grasp is illuminated.
      • At emergence, the seeker may reconstruct the ego under the Will, that the ego will in totality reflect the true light.
      • May God grant new gospel light to this spiritually deprived nation!
      • The fog and deep darkness of my brain are slowly clearing and giving way to a little spiritual light.
      • They believed this to be a natural power of the soul, realized as it gradually opens itself to divine light and truth.
  • 4An area of something that is brighter or paler than its surroundings.

    亮部(绘画作品等中与周围色调相比色彩较亮或较浅的部分)

    sunshine will brighten the natural lights in your hair

    太阳光会把你头发的自然亮部照得很亮。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • My uncle turns, glances at me, the sun from behind the clouds casting lights and darks across his lean face.
    • The hanging lantern caught the lights in his blond hair.
    • Squint your eyes and see the landscape as a series of shapes, lights and darks, as opposed to seeing every detail.
  • 5A device that makes something start burning, as a match, lighter, or flame.

    he asked me for a light

    他向我借火。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • I was nervous and when I get nervous I smoke - too bad I didn't have a light.
    Synonyms
    match, lighter, cigarette lighter, flame, spark, source of fire
  • 6A window or opening in a wall to let light in.

    窗,采光窗洞

    Example sentencesExamples
    • Top lights and side windows flood the building with daylight from unexpected angles.
    • This must be the upper light or lights of a third window, at the back of the room, adjacent to the back wall.
    • Summer cross-ventilation can be obtained through opening lights in the glass wall and the motorized panes of the clerestory.
    • The opening casements were also taped along the junction between the casement and the opening light.
    1. 6.1 Any of the perpendicular divisions of a mullioned window.
      直棂窗窗玻璃上的竖框
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The windows also show progress in one particular way: they are still mullioned and transomed, but the individual lights are no longer arched.
      • Well-lit by a triple-light mullion and transom window with wooden surrounds, the landing was given additional light from a dormer window high up in the central gable.
    2. 6.2 Any of the panes of glass forming the roof or side of a greenhouse or the top of a cold frame.
      (温室或阳畦的)天窗
      Example sentencesExamples
      • In summer, the glazed frame-light can often be left off altogether and replaced with a slatted frame, the glazed light being put back if there is a likelihood of heavy rain.
  • 7A person notable or eminent in a particular sphere of activity or place.

    杰出的人,有声望的人,显赫人物

    such lights of Liberalism as the historian Goldwin Smith

    像历史学家戈尔德温·史密斯这样持自由主义思想的显赫人物。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • He had made other mistakes over the years, but he also had been one of the bright and shining lights of college sports.
    • New cap Scott MacLeod is one of Scotland's bright young lights, but Gray fails to shine.
    • One of Canada's brightest lights has passed away.
    • He said Mandisi has always been a shining light and brought understanding and laughter to their lives.
    Synonyms
    expert, authority, master, leader, guru
verblītlaɪt
[with object]
  • 1Provide with light or lighting; illuminate.

    提供光源(或照明);照亮

    the room was lighted by a number of small lamps

    房间被许多小灯照亮了。

    lightning suddenly lit up the house

    闪电突然照亮了房子。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • She switched on the power, a bright, green glow lighting up the screen.
    • Silhouetted passers-by walk away from us as the singer steps forward, brilliantly lit, sometimes looking at us sometimes away.
    • The hallway, lit with sunlight from both ends, was serenely quiet.
    • It's cramped, poorly stocked and somehow dimly lit.
    • Both the other ballets were two-piano scores, played on stage and lit so that only the pianists' profiles were visible.
    • It was night but the moon was full so everything was lit up and reflected.
    • The pool hall was smoky and lit only by a few flickering light bulbs.
    • The dining room was dark and cold and only lighted by a candle or two.
    • The room beyond was lighted from within by the wavering yellow glow of candles.
    • And the art, hung here and there and lit in one case by lamplight, was a hodgepodge of styles.
    • Old Masters, though, are usually hung on a tastefully restrained backdrop and lit as close to daylight as can be managed.
    • The neighborhood was quiet and dim, lit only by a few street lights.
    • Our eyes widened when a flash of lightning lit up the sky and illuminated the dark figure.
    • Extra decorations have lit up the city like never before.
    • Sets are very minimalist but lit to good effect.
    • The full moon lit up the pond so that I could perfectly see my reflection.
    • The band treated the crowd to some of their greatest hits and was made even more special when a fireworks display lit up the sky behind them.
    • We were both watching TV, the pictures brightly lighting the dark living room.
    • The night climb is stark affair, halogen lights casting deep black shadows on every part of the cliff face that isn't brilliantly lit.
    • We walked for an hour until we were in a large room, lighted by a hole in the ceiling.
    1. 1.1 Switch on (an electric light)
      开(灯)
      only one of the table lamps was lit

      只亮着一盏台灯。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • As he flicked the switch to light the brightly coloured bulbs, an enormous cheer went up from onlookers.
      • It was peaceful, the street lights were lit and the only noise that could be heard was a dog barking in the distance.
      • In later years insurance companies forced the removal of the old candelabras and these were replaced with little electric lights, lighted by a button.
      • Edwards lost a truck race because he slowed when the caution light was lit accidentally.
    2. 1.2light upno object Become illuminated.
      亮起来
      the sign to fasten seat belts lit up

      系好安全带的信号亮了。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • This limited production L.E.D. watch lights up brighter than any other watch available.
      • The switchboard lit up for the Brighton area and people claimed that the devil had come to Earth to kill them all.
      • The night sky would light up; there was a bright white glow every time the lightning surged through the clouds.
      • Tyra flicked the switch on the wall by the door and suddenly the room lit up with a warm yellowish glow.
      • I've got a novelty mini-Beverly Hillbillies television set that lights up and plays the theme song when you push a button.
      • As we walked by, the tree suddenly lit up in a blaze of colored lights.
      • Andrew immediately got to his feet to catch up with me as I entered the hall, now brightly lit up.
      • The bridge around them now lit up brightly as a globe of sunlight surrounded her.
      • In the darkening light, street lamps began to light up and windows glowed with indoor illumination.
      • There was a long silence and inside of me a spark of hope lit up brightly.
      • Drawing power from the battery, the screen lit up brightly, illuminating everything by it.
      • Suddenly, the forest lit up as five bolts of white lightning rained down from the sky.
      • Suddenly, the sky lit up, and a single white lightning bolt shot down towards the general.
      • They should wear light coloured clothes and reflective armbands and have bicycles properly lit up, front and back.
      • I stared blankly at the PC screen, waiting for it to light up.
      • The street lamps and signs lit up suddenly as it got a little bit darker.
      • The horizon lights up all around you, flickering and pulsating, white, blue and green hues of light, constantly moving up and down, changing shape.
      Synonyms
      become bright, brighten, become brighter, lighten, flash, shine, gleam, flare, blaze, glint, sparkle, flicker, shimmer, glisten, scintillate, glare, beam
  • 2Make (something) start burning; ignite.

    点火,点燃

    Allen gathered sticks and lit a fire

    艾伦拣了些枝条点起了火。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • He ran his hand through his raven black hair and then lit his cigarette.
    • Once he's shot off about a dozen he switches to firecrackers, first lighting one to give us the idea and then setting off a string of fifty.
    • He lit a few candles around the room and then he shut off the lights.
    • Word is now that they're lighting buildings on fire, but I can't confirm that.
    • I lit my scented candles, dimmed the lights, and tucked into my new book.
    • Leaning back in the bow, mountains rising across the lake behind him, Pete lights a cigarette and passes it down to Jonathan.
    • He pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and walked away from the fire, through the village, and into the forest.
    • His sightless eyes looked almost black in the shadows cast by the candle he had lit.
    • Wordlessly, she took a seat around the bonfire she had lit earlier.
    • He lit a further cigarillo, coughing glutinously as he did so.
    • Be careful when lighting alcohol on fire: make sure that the stove top is clean and that there are no flammable materials hanging about.
    • They had a load of cigarettes and they lit a fire, deciding to stay there for the night.
    • He lighted what would be the first of many cigars.
    • Almost every month my neighbour has a bonfire: last Friday at 9.15 pm he lit one.
    • He then pulled out his cigarette, and lit it, and held his pack out for her to take one.
    • She's lighting the Chanukah candles for those of us who can't get home by sundown.
    • Dad would trudge on to the lawn with a tin of fireworks, dashing back to safety after lighting each one as if a Pompeii-scale eruption were imminent.
    • They line up for hours to pray at the grotto, drink the water, light candles and take photographs.
    • After the ceremony attached to lighting the candle, Come O Come Emmanuel was sung by a member of the Club.
    • We both lit our Bic lighters as if we were at a Grateful Dead concert.
    Synonyms
    set alight, set light to, set burning, set on fire, set fire to, put a match to, set a match to, ignite, kindle, burn, spark, spark off, fire, touch off, start, torch
    1. 2.1no object Begin to burn; be ignited.
      开始燃烧;被点燃
      the gas wouldn't light properly

      煤气不能正常点燃。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Mr Griffiths was sucking hopefully at his pipe, which had refused to light properly.
      • It took three goes to get the cigarette to light, as my hands were shaking.
      • However, the four managed to overpower the man and retrieve the lighter before it lit.
    2. 2.2light something up Ignite a cigarette, cigar, or pipe and begin to smoke it.
      点燃(香烟,雪茄,烟斗)
      she lit up a cigarette and puffed on it serenely

      她点了一支烟,安详地抽了起来。

      no object workers who light up in prohibited areas face dismissal

      在禁烟区内吸烟的工人将被开除。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • I sat down in the smoking section of a café, in front of a young couple with a kid (who were also in the Smoking area) and lit up.
      • Though smoking was banned he lit up regardless and a fire broke out.
      • She got out her last cigarette and lit it up as she walked away.
      • I pulled out a cigarette from my handbag and lit it up.
      • When I see people struggling to light their smokes up in a stinking back alley in the dead of winter, in the rain, I really can't see that is their little pleasure time.
      • Amber looked on in disgust as Kira lit up.
      • I find it rude when someone lights up during a meal, they could simply walk outside or wait till the meal is finished.
      • He fished a pipe out of his pocket, lit it up, and began to smoke.
      • How often have you been walking behind someone, before suddenly finding yourself engulfed in smoke because the person in front has lit up?
      • There is nothing worse than being in a cosy little restaurant, enjoying wonderful food, and then somebody lights up and blows that acrid smoke in your direction.
      • Fire chiefs are warning the smoking ban may result in a rise in the number of house fires as more people light up at home.
adjectivelītlaɪt
  • 1Having a considerable or sufficient amount of natural light; not dark.

    采光好的,光线足的

    the bedrooms are light and airy

    卧室光线足且通风。

    it was almost light outside

    外面几乎已亮透了。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • The octagonal house is light and airy, with wraparound verandas, a small pool and nothing between you and the South Pole.
    • If it is sufficiently light outside to tell a white thread from a black thread then one should be fasting.
    • The closer one is to the North Pole, the longer the dark or light period is.
    • Install exterior lights that automatically come on when it gets dark and go off when it's light.
    • The seeds were then grown in vermiculite at 30°C under dark or light conditions.
    • As soon as it gets light enough out there, I'll take some pictures.
    • Albert proudly opened the front door and Betty and I walked into a large, light hallway.
    • The house is light and airy with lots of glazing and three balconies on three levels let the garden come into the house.
    Synonyms
    bright, full of light, well lit, well lighted, well illuminated, sunny, sunshiny, undimmed, brilliant
  • 2(of a color) pale.

    (颜色)淡的,浅的

    her eyes were light blue

    她的眼睛是淡蓝色的。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • The walls were a dark jade color here, the tile a light tan covered with crimson matting.
    • The Bertons chose a light beige paint tied together with a white trim in most rooms.
    • The screen turned light purple and a single folder appeared in the middle of the screen.
    • The vehicle involved, which had also been damaged, had been a light green or blue in colour, although the make or model was not known.
    • The person turned out to be a man in his thirties, with light yellow hair and brown eyes.
    • She was dressed in a casual pair of dark blue slacks and a light beige button down blouse tucked neatly in.
    • The streets of the city were cobble stones, and most of the buildings made of a light gray stone or wood.
    • He was wearing a black pair of sweatpants and a light gray shirt that showed off his well built muscles.
    • She carried a bouquet of light yellow roses, large daisies, chrysanthemums and blue campanulas.
    • The colors she chooses lean more heavily to violet, light pink, green, black, silver and gold.
    • Don't take anything white or light coloured with you unless you are going on some luxury holiday somewhere.
    • Mr Gibb said the animal had a sleek, muscular body, smooth fur and was possibly a light sandy colour.
    • She was wearing a light rose pink jacket with a darker shade of pink knee-length skirt.
    • The blouse was a light, delicate shade of pink, with a dark flower pattern covering it.
    • Mr Davis plans to use a clean, light colour scheme throughout the pub and designate the left hand bar non-smoking.
    • She was tall, large in the stomach with light blonde hair and piercing eyes.
    • It was red, made from bright red bricks, and its roof was a light blue colour.
    • The suspect was described only as a white man, in a light coloured short-sleeved shirt.
    • The girl herself was five feet six inches tall, slightly built, with light brown hair.
    • Fresh and light colours such as blue and green are widely seen in this theme.
    Synonyms
    light-coloured, light-toned, pale, pale-coloured, pastel, pastel-coloured
    fair, light-coloured, blonde, golden, flaxen, yellow

Phrases

  • bring (or come) to light

    • Make or become widely known or evident.

      (使)真相大白

      an investigation to bring to light examples of extravagant expenditure

      一场使挥霍浪费的事实真相大白的调查。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • We don't know what kind of evidence this prosecutor has brought to light.
      • Now new evidence has come to light that could mean the end of the forgery allegations.
      • The thefts only came to light when one customer noticed that money had been taken from her account without her knowledge.
      • But the families' main aim, a public inquiry, could ‘achieve transparency’ by bringing to light inquiry and investigation notes.
      • The case is unusual in that his employers did not become aware of his conviction and that he was able to continue teaching for 19 years without the fact of the conviction coming to light.
      • In fact, it's at this point in the album when a rather disturbing fact comes to light.
      • Sometimes the existence of preceding results rediscovered by a researcher comes to light before his alleged discovery has been published.
      • So far he is not talking, but details from the police investigation are coming to light that suggest possible motives.
      • Once all of the facts are brought to light, all judges will of course judge impartially.
      • The club also questioned the fact that the controversy had come to light on the eve of a key match against champions AC Milan today.
      Synonyms
      reveal, disclose, expose, uncover, show up, lay bare, unveil, manifest, unearth, dig up, dig out, turn up, bring to notice, detect, identify, dredge up, smoke out, root out, ferret out, hunt out, nose out
      be discovered, be uncovered, be unearthed, appear, come out, transpire, become known, become apparent, materialize, emerge, crop up, turn up, show up, pop up
  • go out like a light

    • informal Fall asleep or lose consciousness suddenly.

      〈非正式〉睡着;突然失去知觉

      Example sentencesExamples
      • He went out like a light a few minutes later, and Mia tiptoed out of the room.
      • Maybe tomorrow, were her last thoughts before she went out like a light.
      • Every time a film clip came on - no matter how interesting or bizarre - I went out like a light, but she was too polite to comment.
      • Staggering, I turned around to face my attacker but never saw him, a second fist followed the first and I went out like a light.
      • He looked dazed for a minute and then went out like a light.
      • I can hear her breathing and going out like a light.
      • Something hit the back of the trench and I went out like a light.
      • I don't know if the rodent returned as I was so tired by this stage that I went out like a light.
      • I hit this kid and he struck his head and went out like a light.
      • But last night, after everything was all packed up, and my bed frame dismantled, I just went out like a light.
  • in a — light

    • In the way specified; so as to give a specified impression.

      以特定方式

      the audit portrayed the company in a very favorable light

      审计员作了对公司十分有利的描述。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • She claims, however, the book casts her in an unflattering light and has cost her her job and her reputation.
      • If the phrase ‘traditional marriage’ casts one's view on the matter in an unfavourable light, then by all means, use a different one.
      • Nor does it stop one school being compared with another in an unfair light.
      • You know, it doesn't even show the military in an unflattering light, it's more warts-and-all kind of thing.
      • Am I the only one who sees this sport in an erotic light?
      • Arguing that the U.S. is failing when the evidence seems ambiguous does not cast him in an attractive light.
      • The incident cast the police in an ugly light and their brutality was questioned by many.
      • It's not the first time corporations have agreed to show their products in an uncomplimentary light.
      • Even at this early stage we begin to see them in a different light.
      • All too often you're talking to two sides eager to portray themselves in a sympathetic light.
  • in (the) light of

    • Drawing knowledge or information from; taking (something) into consideration.

      根据;考虑到

      the exorbitant prices are explainable in the light of the facts

      考虑到实际情况,这么高的价钱也是情有可原的。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Please note that the policy will be reviewed in the light of the many comments received on this
      • Still, in the light of subsequent events that night, it was a good job they upgraded me to a double room.
      • In the light of what happened at Newcastle, it had been decided that it would not be in the public interest to proceed with the two charges today.
      • Our task is to evaluate the ensuing legislation in the light of all these matters.
      • It is true that memories and past experiences often have to be reassessed in the light of new situations.
      • In the light of my conclusion it is unnecessary to express an opinion on this argument.
      • His position is becoming more untenable in the light of more revelations that have come out.
      • Planning applications should continue to be considered in the light of current policies.
      • Those words were wiser than even he realised in the light of what was to happen a mere 20 years later.
      • In light of what just happened they decided to miss the next lesson.
      Synonyms
      taking into consideration, considering, taking into account, bearing in mind, keeping in mind, mindful of, taking note of, in view of
  • light at the end of the tunnel

    • A long-awaited indication that a period of hardship or adversity is nearing an end.

      苦难行将结束的先兆;(历尽艰辛之后的)希望之光

      Example sentencesExamples
      • They do not see the light at the end of the tunnel as far as their lives go.
      • And with no light at the end of the tunnel, pressure on the government's Debt Management Office will grow.
      • One light at the end of the tunnel for taxi drivers has been the allocation of another taxi rank to be placed at Harmony Hill.
      • People are feeling very hopeless and tired, and they really need to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
      • I don't think there's a light at the end of the tunnel for baseball anytime soon.
      • There is no light at the end of this awful dark, painful tunnel.
      • This has been a negative and stressful time for all concerned, but I can see a positive light at the end of the tunnel for sure.
      • We are able to work alone for long periods of time, if necessary, with no light at the end of the tunnel.
      • There is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, but it is still a long way off yet.
      • It has, at times, been difficult but he can see a light at the end of the tunnel now.
  • the light of day

    • 1Daylight.

      日光

      Example sentencesExamples
      • The bottom half of the composition shows crows frolicking in the light of day, on their scavenging hunt while busily cackling and gossiping to one another.
      • Oddly, since the day was so foggy, parts of the landscape that were completely obscured in the light of day, now shone brightly under a moon brilliant enough to read by.
      • As the light of day slowly dimmed, the world was lit by the angry flashes of lightning which crackled across the sky.
      • During extensive subterranean explorations and investigations spanning a year and a half now, we have seen forgotten worlds, places that have never seen the light of day.
      • These creatures are vulnerable only to sunlight, which makes it pretty weird that there's not one scene in the movie where a single demon is exposed to the light of day.
      • It was clear these animals had not seen the light of day for some time, judging by their reactions as they were carefully taken out, tagged and photographed by the ISPCA inspectors in charge of the operation.
      • When a prisoner leaves his cell, he cannot bear the light of day - he is unable to discriminate colors, or recognize faces.
      • However, in and around the Grand Banquet Hall, Palace, and Fortress, by some ancient magic or feat of engineering, the streets were lit with the light of day.
      • The light of the Sun also energises your thoughts, which is why your thoughts can be so different at night and then in the light of day - and why they are so important as we now approach the Spring Equinox.
      • We got the tree home in the light of day, we got it in the house, all went without a hitch, except I seemed to get a little pine sap in my eye.
      1. 1.1General public attention.
        公众注意力
        bringing old family secrets into the light of day

        让多年的家族秘密暴露在光天化日之下。

        Example sentencesExamples
        • It's the most honest thing I've ever written and where I come from honesty can always withstand the light of day.
        • You see, conservative rants cannot stand the light of day!
        • And once this is opened to the light of day, and people become aware of how the system works, they're not going to be satisfied.
        • Does Keighley hide some kind of weapons of mass destruction or is there some other secret that cannot bear the light of day?
        • As soon as that is exposed to the light of day, the public will revolt against it.
        • But her sister, Caroline won't allow the secret to come into the light of day.
        • A masked killer is stalking the High School where almost all the students have deep, dark and dirty secrets hidden from the light of day.
        • If the state intends to put men to death, they have an obligation to do so in the light of day.
        • Exposing your secret desire to the light of day takes away the irresistible allure, and with it, much of the temptation.
        • I am continually surprised as more useless government departments are dragged out into the light of day to be displayed to the ever more annoyed populace.
  • the light of someone's life

    • A much loved person.

      心爱的人,生命的阳光

      Example sentencesExamples
      • All I will say is that she is the light of my life and I am really happy.
      • He was really happy and the baby was the light of his life.
      • But if she was honest with herself, she had to admit that he wasn't exactly the light of her life.
      • JJ has given me a lifetime of love in a short time, and she is the light of my life.
      • She is - and always has been - the light of my life, and I feel so fortunate to have been graced by her love these past 40 years.
      • I have the most wonderful partner, the light of my life and the father of my baby.
      • My grandmother was my inspiration, the light of my life, the real reason my faith in God was still holding on.
      • Jen had been the joy, the pride, the light of my life for so long now.
      • I lost the light of my life, my buddy, my best friend.
      • He had always been the light of my life and I thought he was so brave, moving away from everything he knew to make a fresh start.
  • the lights are on, but nobody's (or no one's)home

    • Used to suggest that a person lacks intelligence or awareness.

      looking into their eyes, it's a clear case of the lights are on, but nobody's home
      Example sentencesExamples
      • Whenever you talk to them they always have that that empty, glazed over, look in their eyes; it's like you know the lights are on but nobody is home.
      • When it comes to "support" from these folks, as with so many other things, the lights are on but nobody's home.
      • What's up with Calvin's vacant "the lights are on but nobody's home" type stare.
      • She's as boring as could be, I'd imagine, because she has that "lights are on but there's nobody home" expression about her.
      • The bland expression on her face just looks like "the lights are on but nobody is at home"!
  • lights out

    • Bedtime in a school dormitory, military barracks, or other institution, when lights should be switched off.

      (学校宿舍、军营等)熄灯

      Example sentencesExamples
      • The machine is in the bedroom as it's also a DVD player so we were able to watch this on Friday night before lights out!
      • Bedtime around here is 10.30 pm, lights out at 11.
      • My mom says lights out in one minute, so I got to put you away.
      • The officer locked them in and then left them, telling them it would be lights out in two minutes.
      • So, he worked, counting down the minutes until lights out.
      • The older children, the over 16's, were allowed forty-five minutes more, before lights out at ten.
      • The other night, just before lights out in the barracks, the girl I sleep beside on a regular basis had what I thought was a pretty perceptive thought - for a girl.
      • We had about twenty minutes before lights out every night.
      • A few minutes before lights out on the ship, Jessica walked up to Ian's door and knocked.
      • I only have one minute until lights out, so I'll explain tomorrow.
  • lit up

    • dated, informal Drunk.

      〈非正式,旧〉醉了

      Example sentencesExamples
      • She was flushed and sweaty and lit up on something.
  • see the light

    • 1Understand or realize something after prolonged thought or doubt.

      (经长时间考虑后)明白过来,顿悟

      Example sentencesExamples
      • As the natives get down to the business of getting even, the viciousness reverberates off the screen and suddenly we see the light.
      • You have made us see the light and we recognise that we're a bunch of bully boys who think we can get away with anything.
      • Why, only when their side has been beaten, do they suddenly see the light?
      • Prominent organizations have began to see the light more, and realize what kind of production prospects can give them.
      • Would it suddenly see the light and stop its bullying?
      • No doubt, this growing political isolation helped the IRA see the light…
      • I wish I could say that the experience helped me see the light and realize that I had misjudged the film.
      • For Montgomerie, it was suddenly seeing the light after being trapped in what seemed like an never ending tunnel on Thursday.
      • In Joe's case, something shocking and life threatening has to happen before he suddenly sees the light.
      • Every new recipe was different from the previous one, my head was starting to spin, when suddenly I saw the light.
      Synonyms
      understand, realize
      understand, comprehend, realize, find out, see daylight, work out what's going on, get the point
      1. 1.1Undergo religious conversion.
        经历宗教信仰的转变
        Example sentencesExamples
        • We were sure that Roman Catholics would one day see the light and embrace the Protestant reforms.
        • Paul is in the same world after seeing the light on the road to Damascus as he was before, but everything looks different.
        • It took a roots-up, religious-type conversion - I'd walked in darkness, then I saw the light.
        • Saul's traveling companions didn't see the light because the call was not for them.
        • I once heard a Christian missionary claim that only ignorance of true trinitarian theology would prevent non-Christians from seeing the light and becoming baptized.
  • see the light of day

    • 1Be born.

      出生

      Example sentencesExamples
      • George Headley was a prolific scorer for Jamaica, but he wasn't actually born there - he first saw the light of day in Panama in Central America.
      1. 1.1Come into existence; be made public, visible, or available.
        〈喻〉问世,面世;被公开;上市
        this software first saw the light of day back in 1993

        该软件于1993年首次上市。

        Example sentencesExamples
        • Most labor publications don't even see the light of day outside of their local union.
        • And somehow, in all his research, Marshall also missed this astonishing piece of news, which likewise has not seen the light of day before.
        • But let me tell you this: if nothing else I write sees the light of day, I won't care.
        • Protests were minimal and terrorist activity, if it existed, never saw the light of day.
        • What I'd love to do is help publish a volume of his short stories that haven't seen the light of day.
        • In Saturday's edition of The British Medical Journal, there was a paper that many people in public health wish had never seen the light of day.
        • Without that right, important information that should be available to the public would never see the light of day.
        • Prepared in 1999, and intended for public release, the report has never seen the light of day.
        • This song is taken from the Excellent album Soul Drums (Featuring Funky Donkey) released in 1968, but as far as I know it's never seen the light of day on CD.
        • Pioneering climber, explorer, and mapmaker Bradford Washburn has shot some of the most epic mountain photography of all time - much of which has never seen the light of day.
  • shed (or throw or cast) light on

    • Help to explain (something) by providing further information about it.

      使(事情)变得清楚(或更易于理解);阐明(某事)

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Now a new poll sheds light on whether TV viewers are fed up with all the sex on television.
      • The questions at the heart of psychoanalysis - its promise to throw light on why we do the things we do, why we have trouble doing what we want to do, and why we suffer - continue to compel.
      • He has cast light on so many problem areas that I am moved to nominate him as the first national boxing commissioner - should that post ever be created.
      • It is believed the documents shed light on what ministers were told about the case during its long history.
      • This type of information sheds light on the similarity of Cold War developments in both the United States and USSR.
      • Police said they wanted to speak to a man seen in the area who might be able to shed light on what happened.
      • I've heard about the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, but this is the first article I've seen that casts light on how it works.
      • There are going to be few reports coming out of there that will really shed light on how bad exactly it is.
      • Certainly it would be fascinating to see the results, as they would throw light on exactly how much the public understands about any of this stuff.
      • Det Sgt Morgan said he would welcome any information that would shed light on the incident.
      Synonyms
      explain, elucidate, clarify, clear up, give an explanation for, give an explanation of, offer an explanation for, offer an explanation of, make clear, make plain, interpret, comment on

Phrasal Verbs

  • light up

    • (with reference to a person's face or eyes) suddenly become or cause to be animated with liveliness or joy.

      (指脸部表情或眼神)突然出现(或使突然出现)活跃(或欢快)的神色,眉开眼笑,喜形于色

      his eyes lit up and he smiled

      他的眼睛突然变得精神起来,微微笑了一笑。

      a smile of delight lit up her face

      愉悦的微笑使她容光焕发。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • The event brought obvious delight to the children as their faces lit up upon recognizing an inmate from previous meetings.
      • Danny's eyes briefly welled-up and a smile again lit up his face.
      • She turned her chair away from me and her face lit up.
      • Her eyes light up and her face brightens as she recalls the events which have shaped a region.
      • As for the race itself, Diane breaks into a beaming smile and her eyes light up as she recalls that sunny day at York Racecourse last May.
      • Three-year-old Evelyn North's eyes lit up at a bag of crisps, but she seemed distinctly disappointed with its contents.
      • As Ron Whitelaw stood on top of 2,000 ft Grisedale Pike, a smile of satisfaction lit up his face.
      • Her family will always remember the big smile, which lit up her face.
      • Then, abruptly, the lines in his forehead disappeared and his eyes lit up with delight.
      • Todd's face lit up in a full grin as he leaned over and pulled Rachel into a tight hug.
      • Mikey's eyes traveled over to the small car, instantly lighting up at the sight.
      • His eyes lit up, and he excitedly told me that in all his years of studying hypnotherapy, he'd never considered that.
      • His ragged tanned face lights up with laughter, remembering old ways and old mates, all long since passed, but still there to be savoured in his memory.
      • Her green eyes lit up, brightening her pretty face.
      • My eyes lit up, this is really my life when it is working at its finest.
      • They smiled brightly at the older boy, their eyes lighting up with excitement.
      • Her face lights up with a smile as she takes the baby in her arms.
      • Audrey watched the exchange expectantly, a bright smile suddenly lighting up her entire face.
      • She grinned suddenly, her face lighting up, her eyes turning to tawny amber-green.
      • It was the only time in his whole life an adult had ventured affection and a smile lit the usually wary, suspicious face.

Origin

Old English lēoht, līht (noun and adjective), līhtan (verb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch licht and German Licht, from an Indo-European root shared by Greek leukos ‘white’ and Latin lux ‘light’.

light2

adjectivelaɪtlīt
  • 1Of little weight; not heavy.

    轻的;容易提起的

    they are very light and portable

    它们很轻而且可随身携带。

    you're as light as a feather

    你像羽毛一样轻。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • At first she could walk for only six minutes on a treadmill, do four minutes on a rowing machine and lift a few light weights.
    • You don't want to come home with a light suitcase and a heavy heart.
    • No rifle that is light enough to carry will penetrate brush nor should it be expected to.
    • There is also a weight limit excluding people who are either too heavy or too light for the game.
    • The door gave way easily under her light bodyweight and Piper fell with a thud on the floor.
    • He worked on light metal alloys and the electrolytic production of potassium and sodium.
    • The large, sixteen-inch light alloy wheels add to the sporty dynamics of the car.
    • As the triceps is a very small muscle group, make sure you use a light weight, but do lots of repetitions.
    • It was a shame that my body weight was still surprisingly light compared to the other teenagers.
    • Wrap the dish in clingfilm and place in the fridge with a light weight on top for an hour or so, to allow the flavours to mingle before serving.
    • Royal Mail has said it wants to charge more for large but light items and less for small, heavy ones.
    • They had the benefit of astonishingly light, strong bodies, so we needn't feel too ashamed about lagging so far behind.
    • Theyv'e commented on how methodically I pack the trolley, heavy stuff to the bottom, light stuff to the top.
    • Heavy or light, choose a weight that taxes you so that you approach failure at the end of each set.
    • Unfortunately, he wasn't exactly small or light enough to move easily.
    • It comes with a lithium battery and AC adaptor and is light to carry.
    • It is confirmed the team are making only two stops, with the first part of the race driven on a light fuel load.
    • She was happy for the light load, she wasn't sure if her back could handle any more books.
    • Pigs have been bred to be fat or meaty, heavy or light, according to changing requirements at different periods.
    • The end product has a high degree of stability as well as being light in weight.
    Synonyms
    easy to lift, not heavy, weighing very little, lightweight
    1. 1.1 Deficient in weight, especially by a specified amount.
      分量不足的
      the sack of potatoes is 5 pounds light

      这袋土豆分量少了五公斤。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • His problem was that the car came up four pounds light at the scales following the run.
      • I was 200 kilos too light to be a linebacker, I guess.
  • 2Not strongly or heavily built or constructed.

    轻型的;小型的

    light, impractical clothes

    不实用的轻便服装。

    light armor

    轻型装甲。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • They have chosen to shed their heavy armor for loose and light garments such as our own.
    • She was clad in light metal armor, with a hood over her face.
    • The men are in plain clothes and wear light raincoats or light overcoats over their uniforms.
    • The light clothes which will do for summer need to be changed for serious woollens, hoods and gloves for the freezing winds of winter.
    • It is fairly dry all the year round, and light footwear is adequate unless there has been heavy rain.
    • The tapestry is weaved from a mixture of light linen and heavy velvet and is sometimes translucent, often opaque.
    • It is a thin, light blanket with ties to attach to a poncho, to give the wearer extra warmth in the rain.
    • He was wearing light denim clothing, with nowhere to hide any explosives.
    • Their light summer shoes get wet during the day and then their feet freeze at night.
    • As I was dressed only in a light t-shirt, summer riding gloves, and jeans this was a bit of a cause for concern.
    • Anthropometric measurements were taken with participants wearing light clothes and no shoes or socks.
    • But as long as I have enough water to drink and light, loose clothes to wear, I'm sweaty but happy.
    • The main hazard of working on the streets is the cold - her light shoes are designed for the summer rather than bitter winter temperatures.
    • Even if you carry a light jacket with you its better than freezing that newly tanned skin.
    • He realised that it would take more than the light armour which he had with him to do the work.
    • Also pack shorts and light clothes for the warm sparkling days that can also often be enjoyed in summer.
    • It's cold enough for light woollens but not yet time to get into heavier clothing.
    • You'll only need a couple of sets of light clothes, so don't burden yourself down with luggage.
    • I settled down fully clothed under a light blanket and got into a good snoring rhythm.
    • His trademark is ready to wear dresses that are light and suitable for any occasion.
    • He was walking in light footwear across his base camp on his way to the latrine.
    Synonyms
    flimsy, lightweight, insubstantial, thin
    1. 2.1 Carrying or suitable for small loads.
      载重量轻的;适合轻载的
      light commercial vehicles

      轻型商用车。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • These motoring paparazzi have been known to use helicopters and light aircraft in pursuit of their prey.
      • They plan to be using it both as a light rail transport system and a tourist attraction.
      • To reach the smaller islands you usually need to jump in a light aircraft.
      • They were similar to the horses used for light carts and tradesmen's carts.
      • A few cars, a few more red taxis and a light bus, yellow with a green top, drive on the right side of the road.
      • Light vans drive more safely with rain tyres too.
      • The source population for study participants comprised drivers of light vehicles on public roads.
      • Two light goods vehicles were impounded and 1,800 litres of illicit oil seized.
      • I decided to go and check it out, thinking that possibly a light aircraft had got into trouble.
      • The year saw light truck production eclipse that of passenger cars in North America.
      • Mrs Johnson said most of those not wearing a seatbelt were males driving work vans and light trucks.
      • He said his father owned a light aircraft, which he was allowed to use.
      • For starters, we could increase the fuel efficiency of our cars and light trucks to 40 miles per gallon.
      • We should require auto makers to make cars, SUVs and light trucks that go farther on a gallon of gas.
      • There are no roads and it can only be reached by light aircraft or a two-hour express boat ride from the nearest large town.
      • A light lorry and a jeep were hit by a blast, possibly from a roadside bomb, on a busy road west of the capital.
      • The launcher was a simple open-frame device holding sixteen rockets and capable of being towed behind a light truck.
      • Part of Paul's work will involve travelling by light aircraft to visit parishioners on the different islands.
      • I had just missed some vehicles which were going to town and so I had to jump on a private light truck.
      • I do know a pilot who saved himself a load of fuel in a light plane by flying along the front of them on the right day!
    2. 2.2 Carrying only light armaments.
      轻装,只携带轻型武器的
      light infantry

      轻步兵。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • In December 1939 it was taken over by the Kriegsmarine and armed for use as a light escort and patrol boat.
      • The army is on path to meet its future as a light armoured force, contrary to recent debate in the media.
      • The new aircraft have a light armament capability and can be used for security or defensive operations as well as for training.
      • In command of the light tanks, Patton headed a school and trained his tankers for combat.
      • The pace of light infantry is limited to the speed of a soldier on foot.
      • Two light cruisers were being built in Italy but these were commandeered by the Italians in December 1941.
      • Transportation of soldiers is another way mechanized forces can help light units.
      • As a military reformer, Moore successfully developed light infantry tactics and training methods.
      • The Dover Barrage was a combination of nets, mines and searchlights, patrolled by light craft.
      • Sniper units are similar to the light infantry units but they operate in smaller teams.
      • Traces of the modus operandi of the light infantry of old still live on amidst special forces such as the SAS.
      • For the most part these contingents have been based on a core component of light infantry.
    3. 2.3 (of a vehicle, ship, or aircraft) traveling unladen or with less than a full load.
      (车,船,飞机)空载的,轻载的
      Example sentencesExamples
      • That's because with empty tanks and a light car, you might find you have more grip than you expected.
      • This requires an optimized design of the vessel to minimize the light ship weight as much as possible.
    4. 2.4 (of soil) friable, porous, and workable.
      (土地)轻质的(质地疏松、多孔、易渗水的)
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The African box thorn will grow on any soil, poor or rich, light or strong.
      • It tolerates salty conditions and actually prefers light, sandy soil, since it needs a supply of air to its roots.
      • Although the soil here is light, it is completely saturated and has held the water below the surface.
      • Sun is vital, so choose an open site on light soil with good drainage.
      • They also prefer a light sandy soil and maybe your clay is a bit heavy and wet for them.
      • Low rainfall and light soils of moderate fertility help control vine vigour and canopy here.
      Synonyms
      friable, sandy, easily dug, workable
    5. 2.5 (of an isotope) having not more than the usual mass; (of a compound) containing such an isotope.
      (同位素)轻的;(化合物)含轻同位素的
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The lighter isotope of helium, helium - 3, is short of one neutron compared to its heavier version.
      • His idea was to use the material flux from an exploding fission weapon to compress a container that held the light isotopes.
  • 3Relatively low in density, amount, or intensity.

    (密度)较低的;(数量)较少的;(强度)较低的

    passenger traffic was light

    客流量较小。

    light summer breezes
    trading was light for most of the day

    一天中大部分时间里生意冷清。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • Personally I do not find it as good in heavy or light winds as the Lewis kites.
    • But in the summer, a light body oil is also necessary to care for sun-drenched skin.
    • He'd walked her home through the light, early summer rain that was falling on the city.
    • We were at 700 feet and one and a half miles, with the visibility obscured by light fog.
    • I cycle to work the next day, through a light drizzle and heavy traffic.
    • Traffic, now including vans, is using the minor road, which is only suitable for light traffic.
    • The rain was light, but heavy enough to make you cold and uncomfortable after a few minutes.
    • If you wake early enough, you can catch a solid hour of light breezes and a certain summer coolness.
    • It could carry 118,000 barrels of light oil products such as gasoline and heating oil.
    • We had run into pretty light resistance, and we had pushed out a couple of thousand yards.
    • Indeed, some very light breezes saw racing starting late and we bring you results of the first two races with results to be confirmed.
    • When schools and university are on holiday, traffic is relatively light most of the time.
    • There had been light snow showers earlier that morning when we took off for our first flight of the day.
    • At worst, a light drizzle can be stomached, a little nip on the temperature can be endured - but nothing more extreme.
    • Since the main part of the Jacobite army never engaged the enemy, losses were relatively light.
    • The following moisturiser is very light and gentle and suitable for all skin types.
    • On Tuesday last Galway woke up to see all the motor vehicles covered with a light coating of brown sand.
    • The valley is densely forested and lush; a light autumn snowfall dusts distant high peaks.
    • What started as a light shower grew so heavy that she and her daughter began to fear that the roof would cave in.
    • The stars were out, and a light summer breeze teased my hair and brushed across my face.
    1. 3.1 (of sleep or a sleeper) easily disturbed.
      睡眠时易惊醒的,睡眠不酣的
      Example sentencesExamples
      • She was a very light sleeper and I had to be careful of how I moved, I had to be extremely quiet.
      • She sat by his bed and watched him as he drifted in and out of a light, dreamless sleep.
      • She closed her eyes and in a matter of seconds, she fell into a light sleep.
      • I am a fairly light sleeper, and do get woken very easily by sound.
      • Closing his eyes he fell into a light sleep, ready to awaken at the slightest noise.
      • It took me an hour of tossing and turning that night to fall into a light sleep.
      • The loud, high pitched ring of the kitchen phone drove me from my light sleep on the black couch.
      • She slipped into a light sleep, where nothing was wrong, and no one could hurt her.
      • Taking a deep breath and hoping that he wasn't a light sleeper, she knocked on his door.
      • She is a light sleeper and sleeping next to me does deprive her of what little sleep she does get.
      • She easily fell into a light sleep, wanting to be able to wake up at the slightest sign of danger.
      • The city noises drifted him into a light sleep until the cab driver's voice awoke him.
      • I'm normally a light sleeper, so it was a surprise that the husband was the first to notice this.
      • You move out of deep sleep and into light sleep several times during the night, resulting in poor sleep quality.
      • Abbey drifted off, the warm sun and gently rippling water lulling her into a light sleep.
      • I've always been a light sleeper, but years of travel mean I can pretty much fall asleep anywhere.
      • Just as she had drifted into a light sleep, the cordless phone beside her rang, waking her.
      • She acknowledged his words with a nod, then drifted into a light sleep for a little while.
      • I'm quite a light sleeper, so even my answering machine taking a message usually wakes me.
      • Unconsciousness happens in this state, as well as light sleep states, where dreams and hallucinations occur.
    2. 3.2 Easily borne or done.
      容易承担的,易于忍受的;易做成的
      he received a relatively light sentence

      他被从轻发落。

      some light housework

      一些轻松的家务活。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Sentences in the UK are relatively light, averaging around nine months.
      • The prosecutors left the Court without explaining the request for such a light sentence.
      • One officer may sleep if the work load is light, while the other monitors the flight.
      • What would you do if the men who were responsible were given light jail sentences?
      • This is giving a clear green light to burglars to commit this crime as they are more than likely to get a very light sentence or be put on a drug rehab programme.
      • Despite new and improved laws, judicial proceedings remain slow and the fines actually imposed are light.
      • Always walk or do another light cardiovascular exercise for five minutes before you work out.
      • Should they be blogging regularly or only when they have a light work load?
      • When the police bring anyone to justice in this country, some judges want to let off the scum of the land with light sentences.
      • However in reality many people who do assist in euthanasia get fairly light sentences.
      • She got a light sentence and I think the worst of her troubles are over.
      • Typically, she received a very light sentence, soon revised downward.
      • I figure he must think he's only going to get a light sentence and a bit of a fine.
      • The All Blacks enjoyed a day of light training today with key players carrying injuries.
      • Still expecting a light sentence, he was crushed by his condemnation to indefinite imprisonment.
      • His sentence had been relatively light, as she never accused him of violating her.
      • The plaintiff's back injury only allowed him to take on light work.
      • Are they working to review the light sentence that has been handed out?
      • Sit up, do light housework, or take a walk until your body has had a chance to digest.
      • Six years is a light sentence for taking another man's life.
      • But suggest a bit of light housework and he's all feral snarls and pulling rank.
      Synonyms
      easy, simple, undemanding, untaxing, unexacting, not burdensome, moderate, endurable, bearable, tolerable
  • 4(of food or a meal) small in quantity and easy to digest.

    (食物,膳食)少量而易消化的

    a light supper

    量少而容易消化的晚餐。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • Tickets for the event cost only £5 each and that also includes a light supper.
    • So within half an hour of getting Mig's phonecall we were meeting him and going for a light breakfast.
    • Palestinians often buy snacks or light meals from street vendors as they go about their daily business.
    • On Sunday morning, we have a light breakfast and then head for the shops.
    • He invited me up to join him for a light meal as a token of gratitude for helping his people.
    • Speaking of which, the Rex has a decent menu of light meals and snacks, and offers a variety of draft beers.
    • Breakfast is a light meal of bread, cereal, yogurt, and coffee or hot chocolate.
    • The menu had a fair range of options from light snacks to full meals.
    • Prawn risotto with dill and creme fraiche had all the promise of a light but punchy starter.
    • The Princess had requested a light buffet lunch, including a selection of local cheeses.
    • You can poach or fry the eggs, keeping the yolks runny, and serve with a salad for a light lunch or supper.
    • I went on to eat a light breakfast and to get my morning writing session done, then felt decidedly dozy.
    • It was light and tasty, but rather deficient in the garlic stakes.
    • Chris and I went for a walk up over the hill and had a light brunch at the Reverie Cafe in Cole Valley.
    • Pita meat pie often is the final course of a meal or is served as a light supper on its own.
    • Eating a light meal before your treatment may also help prevent nausea and vomiting.
    • People who sign up as members will be invited to help themselves to a light buffet after the formal launch of the group.
    • I did some studying after eating my light lunch of 9 sushi rolls and a big glass of tea.
    • James Bond would have invited her into the front seat and suggested a light lunch of sea food and champagne.
    • Here, cooks will prepare a light meal of mixed salad, tinned cold fish or meat, bread and cheese and fruit.
    Synonyms
    small, modest, scanty, simple, skimpy, frugal, not heavy, not rich, not large
    1. 4.1 (of a foodstuff) low in fat, cholesterol, sugar, or other rich ingredients.
      (食品)清淡的,(脂肪、胆固醇、糖或其他多油成分)含量低的
      stick to a light diet

      坚持吃清淡食品。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Adding some light dairy products to a smart diet was first seen as a way to lower blood pressure.
      • It was halibut, light but intense, melting but singing with flavour.
      • These were covered in a light garlic-flavoured batter and came with a tangy Neopolitan sauce.
      • The tuna tartare was mixed in a light cream sauce, and served with a mound of black caviar.
      • As I did not have milk on hand, I used light whipping cream in addition to regular.
      • Occasional sweets notwithstanding, the royal children were raised on very simple, light foods.
      • The champagne cream sauce was refreshingly light and brought out the best of my wife's salmon filet.
      • The spring veggies were another hit: baby carrots, asparagus, French greens and corn in light soy sauce.
      • Each doctor that saw her said something different about her diet; food, no food, light diet; no food!
      • The sweet, light tomato sauce provides space and support for the pungent, spicy salami and cheese.
      • Hold the rich sauces and have a light soup for a starter with fresh fruit for desert.
      • If you want the granny apple to hold slightly and maintain its shape, you can cook it gently in a light sugar syrup.
      • Place the peach in a light sugar syrup with the cracked peach pit for flavour.
      • The thinly-sliced chicken had been poached in a light and delicate broth infused with lime leaf and coriander.
      • These are topped off by a variety of puddings ranging from light sorbets to incredibly rich chocolate mousses.
      • Aljotta is a light fish soup relying heavily on garlic and marjoram for flavour.
      • It was white, fleshy and not oily, cooked in a light batter and served with a white cream sauce and mushrooms.
      • The main course was a choice of stuffed baby squid or sautéed pork tenderloin on a light Thai green curry sauce.
      • They were doused in a light tomato sauce that seeped into the big mound of rice below.
      • The mash was good and the lemon and herby drizzle made this a light and delicate follow-on to the full-flavoured fish soup.
    2. 4.2 (of drink) not too sweet or rich in flavor or strongly alcoholic.
      (饮料)淡味的,低酒精的
      a glass of light Hungarian wine

      一杯淡味匈牙利酒。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • I took a seat on a high barstool amongst the quiet and serious four and ordered half a pint of light ale for the golden pound I had had in my right pocket.
      • Pale green in the glass, with golden highlights, this is a soft, light wine with attractive floral notes.
      • Effects are more or less the same whether light, regular or alcohol-free beer is consumed.
      • It's a lovely little wine, light but packed with flavour, perfect chilled before dinner or for sitting out in the sun.
      • If there was ever a drink that summed up a decade, it was this light, unobtrusive, fizzy red wine from central Italy.
      • The wine tasted so light that they drank a lot without any consideration.
      • Imported light beers are up across the board, while domestic lights are a mixed bag.
      • I yelled at Dex who sat so happily on the couch with his feet on top of the table and a bottle of light beer in his hand.
      • For other cheesy dishes, a light, fruity red wine is sometimes better.
      • I started with light beers and ended up with dark, as is recommended to appreciate the flavours properly.
      • Beer can range from light ales to dark stouts depending on the proportions of malt and barley.
      • Schiava grapes are found in most of the non-varietal light red wines of Trentino-Alto Adige.
      • Bierzo, abutting Galicia in the north west, shows promise with its light fragrant reds from the Mencía grape.
      • Many dishes need a full-bodied wine with an oak overlay and would suffer in tandem with a light, fruity wine.
      • Start with dry white wines, then do medium whites, then light reds, then stronger reds.
      • I went out for light drinks with a mate after work last night and was home by 8.30 pm.
      • If it immediately drains back into the glass, then it probably is a light alcohol or dry wine.
      • It's like drinking club soda that has been watered down and mixed with flat light beer.
      • Beer is consumed as a typical light alcoholic beverage, while rum is the hard liquor of choice.
      • Your best bet is to drink the light or low-carb beer you like best and to do so in moderation.
    3. 4.3 (of food, especially pastry or sponge cake) fluffy or well aerated during cooking.
      (糕饼、海绵状松蛋糕等食品)蓬松多孔的
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The sweetbreads were fine, raised above the mediocre by a wonderfully sweet and light pastry.
      • The pastry was light and the pears and ice cream moreish to the point of danger.
      • This has ground almonds and the texture is almost light, although it is rich and moist.
      • Beat the butter and caster sugar in a bowl until light and creamy.
      • The pastry was crisp and light and the salad was the kind where you wanted to eat every scrap.
      • Cream the margarine and sugar until light and fluffy, then add the beaten egg a little at a time while continuing to work.
      • The base was perfectly cooked, light and fresh, the mushroom topping rich and full of flavour.
      • It's almost impossible to choose between a cake layered with cream cheese frosting and a lighter white sponge cake with whipped cream and strawberries.
      • My other half gave top marks to her hot smoked haddock tartlet, made with light filo pastry and served up with asparagus and a poached egg.
      • Ann beat me to choosing the mince tart, and excellent it was, with acceptably light pastry.
      • The naan breads in particular were lovely and light and fluffy.
      • Cream together the unsalted butter and demerara sugar until light and fluffy.
      • On my plate was some melon, sweet and fragrant, and a star-shaped pastry so light and flaky, I hardly dared pick it up.
      • In a large bowl beat the butter and confectioners sugar until light and fluffy.
      • The pastry was light and flaky, and the insides were pleasant enough, if a little lacking in spice.
      • Modern Banbury cakes are small and oval, made of light flaky pastry with a crisp top achieved by a powdering of sugar before baking.
      • I also enjoy a light, fluffy omelet, or maybe basted eggs with bacon or strawberries and dry toast.
      • But fruit cakes can also be light and non-alcoholic when made with fresh fruit.
      • This rhubarb and blueberry soufflé is light, lovely, rich and drop-dead gorgeous.
      • The sticky toffee pudding had a light sponge and moreish caramel sauce, all of which disappeared fast.
  • 5Gentle or delicate.

    轻柔的,温柔的

    she planted a light kiss on his cheek

    她轻轻地在他的脸颊上吻了一下。

    my breathing was steady and light

    我的呼吸平稳而轻柔。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • His touch was light and gentle, being extra careful of not putting any pressure on my back.
    • Her fingers were light and gentle upon the keys, and the machine responded by whirring into action.
    • She turned back to face him, as she felt his hand on her shoulder, his touch as light as the gentle caress of a flower.
    • It was clear now that she was indeed sleeping, her light breathing in no way hindered.
    • She accepted his hand, tensing a bit when his thumb made one light stroke of her knuckles.
    • She wrapped her arm around Jamie's waist and gave him a light squeeze and a kiss on the cheek.
    • This pulse is felt with a light pressure of the fingers, just resting on the artery.
    • When he was halfway across the street, he heard both heavy and light footsteps behind him.
    • He stood up and finished getting dressed and gave her a light, shaky kiss on the cheek.
    • He felt her fingers intertwine with his as he started placing light kisses along her jaw again.
    • Still she could not resist walking a few steps forward, to drop a light kiss onto his forehead.
    • Apply generously with light strokes and avoid brushing over it again once it's on.
    • The therapy is very gentle, using only light touch, but it is amazing in its results.
    • Even Levine, looking tired, doesn't approach the podium with a light step these days.
    • I kissed her, a light brush of the lips, but still enough to let her know how much I wanted her.
    • She pasted on a smile, though, as John Taylor gave her a light hug and kissed her cheek.
    • She giggled lightly and turned to give him a light kiss.
    • The kiss was light and brief, but it was the most amazing thing I'd ever felt.
    • She did not shy from him; instead she kissed him back, a light and quick brush of the lips.
    • The knock on the front door was light, and at first I wasn't certain of it.
    Synonyms
    gentle, delicate, soft, dainty, graceful
    1. 5.1 (of type) having thin strokes; not bold.
      (字体)细体的
      Example sentencesExamples
      • The thickness of the font was kind of perfect for our logo, not too bold and not too light.
  • 6(of entertainment) requiring little mental effort; not profound or serious.

    (娱乐)消遣的,轻松的;易懂的

    pop is thought of as light entertainment

    流行音乐被认为是一种消遣性娱乐。

    some light reading

    一些轻松的消遣性读物。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • The novel is a light read that promises to tax you no more than a politician at election time.
    • With no humour and very little in the way of hope, this is certainly not light entertainment.
    • Those with pocket money obtained all kinds of novels, serious and light.
    • In recent years, McCartney has branched into composing light classical music.
    • In the meantime, we can enjoy this story, which is a nice little bit of light reading.
    • Anyone seeking a little light reading had better steer clear of this book.
    • After this I thought I'd do a little light reading.
    • The run will finish with an awards presentation, BBQ and some light entertainment.
    • They were always intended to be light pieces to entertain and to dance to.
    • It would, said the theory, take the world's most popular game and turn it into mainstream light entertainment.
    • As such this is not going to be a film for someone looking for a couple of hours of light entertainment.
    • Wavell had, it seems, an interest both in light fiction and serious history.
    • Otherwise, this is a relatively short and light featurette on the art of movie music.
    • Yes, I know it's jokey, light, entertaining fare, but it's good as well.
    • A huge bestseller in Spain, the novel has been criticised by some on the left for serving up a light version of the civil war.
    • It is possible that Rob will change the face of light entertainment in Britain.
    • While the racy title and erotic cover art might suggest a light read, nothing could be further from the truth.
    • None of the inherent whimsy is lost and the film remains an incredibly moving but suitably light piece.
    • Picking up the papers I eyed it warily, it was obviously not going to be light reading.
    • Apart from the usual academic books, books for light reading and for serious reading are also available.
    Synonyms
    entertaining, lightweight, diverting, recreative, undemanding, easily understood, middle-of-the-road
    1. 6.1 Not serious or solemn.
      轻松的,非严肃而庄重的
      his tone was light

      他的语气轻松。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Well, that's a fairly light musing for the evening after much of my heavier writings on here.
      • The first part of the story ends at a very natural point in the story, and on a suitably light moment.
      • The overall tone is considerably lighter than in Chaucer's poem, the play being diversified with songs and lyrical passages.
      • Penn keeps the tone of the film extremely light, as the action effortlessly hops between Florida and Beverly Hills.
      • The film is full of jokes and humour - it has a light, positive, happy feeling.
      • All day, there are thoughts both weighty and light dancing through my head.
      • Looking for a little light relief, I flipped over to a TV auction channel, to see what I didn't want to buy today.
      • His voice had lost its light laughter, and the love of the buildings he had lived with all his life showed through.
      Synonyms
      gentle, mild, moderate, slight
      carefree, light-hearted, cheerful, cheery, happy, merry, jolly, blithe, bright, sunny, untroubled
    2. 6.2 Free from worry or unhappiness; cheerful.
      无忧无虑的;高兴的
      I left the island with a light heart

      我轻松愉快地离开了那个岛。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Perhaps he could take it with a light heart and not hate me for being female and single.
      • A light heart would get you through most sticky situations relatively unscathed, he decided.
      • A light heart is the grease that makes uncomfortable situations slide right on by.
      • They went home with a light heart, knowing they would have some more money when the day was done.
      • There was absolute darkness in her eyes where they used to be light and cheerful.
      • It was with light hearts that they drove downtown and made their way to the city hall.
      • It was with a light heart that he entered the Infirmary and set his letter on the table near the door.
      • She pondered it for less than a couple of seconds before gathering the courage to speak up, and she did so with a light heart.
      • Normally it was a time he mourned, for his reduction of power, but today his heart was light.
      • These are people who recognize that to have a light heart frees you to carry great burdens.
      Synonyms
      gentle, mild, moderate, slight
      carefree, light-hearted, cheerful, cheery, happy, merry, jolly, blithe, bright, sunny, untroubled
  • 7archaic (of a woman) having many casual sexual encounters or relationships.

    Example sentencesExamples
    • Jude found the room full of soldiers and light women.

Phrases

  • be light on

    • Be rather short of.

      很缺乏

      light on hard news
      Example sentencesExamples
      • I remember the letters were light on news about his military life and more focused on her.
      • Such civil litigation is labour intensive, and like all capital defence offices, we were light on labour.
      • The novel is light on the amount of dialogue, but very lyrical and poetic.
      • I apologize we were light on the show notes, a bit light on the content, and there were no technical segments.
      • He has been light on policy while exhorting voters to abandon the stale battle between right and left.
      • I've complained before about movies being light on plot, but this one is absolutely plot-free.
      • News of the hacker's exploit this morning has been light on details.
      • In reality, the session was light on content, and relatively few major bills were passed.
      • He did 32 very fine films for Columbia which were light on song and heavy with drama.
      • Though the talk was light on actual development details, the fact remains that Nom 2 is one hell of a crazy game.
  • be light on one's feet

    • (of a person) be quick or nimble.

      (人)动作迅速,敏捷

      Example sentencesExamples
      • We just have to be light on our feet and go with whatever we think is best for the situation.
      • We hired a swing band, so there was a ton of dancing and I was light on my feet well past midnight.
      • As the competition continues to come in, we're going to have to be light on our feet, as is everyone.
      • She was never exactly a ballerina but she could be light on her feet if she needed to be.
      • But in developing new products we have to be light on our feet and create them faster than potential competitors.
      • No two research projects are ever the same, and you can see why we have to be light on our feet and innovative in our thinking.
      • And former champ Holyfield has proven himself to be light on his feet both inside and outside the boxing ring.
      • As she dances around the ring, she is light on her feet and moves with the grace and subtle strength of a ballet dancer in a pas de deux.
      • Of course, you could see a clump of mud coming toward you and if you were light on your feet you could side-step it.
      • I can't imagine what it's like to be light on my feet, to wear a bikini bathing suit, or to have one chin.
      Synonyms
      nimble, deft, agile, lithe, limber, lissom, flexible, supple, adroit, graceful, acrobatic, lively, active, quick, quick-moving, spry, sprightly
  • a light touch

    • The ability to deal with something delicately, tactfully, or in an understated way.

      机敏老练的应对本领;不动声色地处理问题的方法

      a novel that handles its tricky subject with a light touch

      一部将棘手的主题处理得十分巧妙的小说。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • There is a light touch to the way the story is told which never detracts from the central mystery of that evil.
      • It is his light touch that allows Weschler to get away with such parallels; he never pushes a point too far.
      • The character commentaries are handled with a light touch, thus avoiding the deadly sin of belaboring a joke past the point of humor.
      • Carver had a light touch as a teacher of creative writing and he did not consider it was his job to discourage anyone.
      • Her directing is right on, and her light touch steers Galloway deftly through some black humor.
      • My clients appreciate my light touch and a cool head when it comes to dividing marital assets, custody agreements and determining child support or spousal support.
      • Directed with wit and a light touch, the production flew like the wind, but never so quickly that the zany personalities got lost in the rush.
      • No doubt you missed our light touch with that heavyweight issue on torture last week.
      • He says that the City of London must retain its light touch and risk-based regulatory regime.
      • This is romantic comedy skillfully rendered with a light touch and complete with a colorful cast of characters.
  • make light of

    • Treat as unimportant.

      不重视

      I didn't mean to make light of your problems

      我并非有意轻视你的问题。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • It is an incredibly traumatic experience that should be seriously treated and never made light of.
      • This is the second time Mr Howard has made light of such an incident.
      • I mean, really, I don't think it fits your style to make light of terrorism and war like that.
      • He who neglects this should not be surprised if his students make light of him.
      • To make light of the threat posed by these determined fanatics - as some in Britain are now trying to do - is self-delusional at best and suicidal at worst.
      • Armour made light of subjects like history and literature with mild satire characterized by ridiculous over-use of foot-notes, which were often even funnier than the text.
      • It is disheartening some people are trying to make light of a serious situation.
      • Unfortunately, the subtlety, range and freshness of her work has too often been ignorantly made light of.
      • The company withdrew an ad after an advocacy group charged that it made light of sex abuse.
      • Companies that make light of elders are finding a consumer force to reckon with.
      Synonyms
      play down, downplay, understate, underrate, rate too low, not do justice to, do an injustice to, underplay, de-emphasize, underemphasize, trivialize, minimize, diminish, downgrade, reduce, lessen, brush aside, gloss over, shrug off
  • make light work of

    • Accomplish (a task) quickly and easily.

      快速而轻松完成(任务)

      Example sentencesExamples
      • Second seed Power made light work of his opening encounter in the Hungarian Open Squash Championship.
      • Sea Scout crews made light work of the locks, for some of the crews this was their first canal boating experience.
      • The home side made light work of a depleted Alstonville line-up with a 3-nil win.
      • The world's best male and female sprint hurdlers also made light work of the conditions to beat high quality fields.
      • Having bowled out their opponents for 170, the home side made light work of knocking off the required runs with more than 18 overs to spare.
      • It was their powerful four-wheel drive car that made light work of the muddy roads that connected the villages.
      • High praise is due to our server, who made light work of snaking his way through the thickets of humanity.
      • This photo shows Sam and his mighty chainsaw making light work of one of the many trees that were downed during a recent storm.
      • I watched in amazement as it made light work of blending a whole assortment of foods, which, from experience, I knew my cheap high street blender would never have handled.
      • At the end of the day-long meeting, he made light work of summing up the main points.
  • travel light

    • Travel with a minimum load or minimum luggage.

      轻装旅行

      Example sentencesExamples
      • We travelled light, carrying just a sleeping bag and spare clothing, and eating and sleeping in village lodges.
      • We all travelled light, taking with us only what we considered to be the bare essentials of life.
      • The commandos and Special Forces traveled light and were trained for this kind of backwoods work.
      • The website could provide you with some helpful hints and advice so that you can travel light and still look stylish at your destination.
      • Just like Clinton he travelled light for quick travel without family, friends, and the US press.
      • As always, he traveled light on this trip with nothing but a knapsack containing a change of clothes and a loaf of bread.
      • Frank travelled light around the world, with one small cardboard suitcase and a canvas rucksack.
      • The key to travelling light is keeping everything you take to a minimum.
      • The grooms travelled light with a razor in their pockets, and few other personal items.
      • Though we traveled light, indispensable to us on board were two books we re-read and consulted constantly.

Origin

Old English lēocht, līht (noun), lēohte (adverb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch licht and German leicht, from an Indo-European root shared by lung.

light3

verblaɪtlīt
[no object]
  • 1light on/uponCome upon or discover by chance.

    偶然碰见;偶然发现;偶然获得

    he lit on a possible solution

    他偶然发现了一种可能有效的解决办法。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • Galvin is the best restaurant I have lit upon this year.
    • Upon arriving in Sonoma, she lit upon the idea of launching a high-end home store where she could combine both her passions under one roof.
    • Kelly does repeat a few jokes, and maybe I lighted on these instances instead of the ones I recall.
    • In the search for a text, Elgar lit upon his mother's favourite poet, Longfellow.
    • The sunlight struck upon my face and my eyes lit upon the white and sandy shores of France.
    • He turned to go home; but even as he turned, his eye lit upon a figure behind a tree.
    Synonyms
    come across, chance on, hit on, happen on, stumble across, stumble on, blunder on, find, discover, uncover, arrive at, encounter, think of, come up with
  • 2archaic Descend.

    〈古〉下来

    from the horse he lit down

    他从马背上下来。

    Example sentencesExamples
    • Gently she handed the little girl to her mother and they lighted from their horses.
    1. 2.1light on Fall and settle or land on (a surface)
      落在,降落在(表面上)
      a feather just lighted on the ground

      一片羽毛刚刚飘落到地面上。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • A thrush had lighted on a bough not five meters away, almost at the level of their faces.
      • It was said with a grin but that didn't dilute the cloud that lighted on the soldier's face.

Phrasal Verbs

  • light into

    • Criticize severely; attack.

      〈北美,非正式〉严厉批评;抨击

      he lit into him for his indiscretion

      他因言行失检而挨了他一顿痛骂。

      Example sentencesExamples
      • The magazine gleefully lit into its competitors in its May 14 issue, but it makes its own share of blunders.
      • She made the mistake of looking up to make a cruel statement when Nicolette saw her face and lit in to her more.
      • He lit into the head of his National Security Forces.
      • One student said something to the effect of ‘everyone calm down’ and then Zack lit into that guy.
      • But instead I sighed and got up and stepped into the fray to mediate, whereupon grandma entered and lit into me.
      Synonyms
      scold, berate, upbraid, castigate, censure, condemn, lambaste, criticize, reprimand, rebuke, chide, reprove, admonish, harangue, take to task, lay into, rant at, rave at, rail at, revile, fulminate against, call over the coals, haul over the coals
      assault, set upon, fall on, attack, assail, turn on, lash out at, round on, strike, beat
  • light out

    • Depart hurriedly.

      〈北美,非正式〉匆匆离开

      Example sentencesExamples
      • In 1975, the twenty year old Heimo Korth lit out for Alaska, built a fourteen by fourteen foot cabin, and married a native woman.
      • Janie then lit out of the house with her shotgun, telling Pa she was off to find Lyddie June.
      • I looked at Hanse and nodded and we lit out again.
      • After my assignation in the piney woods, I lit out and did not look back.
      • His memoir talks about how he gave up the life of a photographer in London and lit out for Paris and how I lit out after him.
      • After breakfast he tries to get some exercise until about 10.15 am, then he reads newspapers, does crosswords and reads his books for the rest of the afternoon before dinner and lights out about 9pm.
      • MacAdams, a white poet and journalist from Texas who lit out for the cool of New York, is part of it too.
      • Just after his twentieth birthday, in 1916, Alves Reis lit out for the Portuguese colony of Angola to make his fortune.
      • Although I was wearing tennis shoes - a big ‘no-no’ when you're in snake country - I lit out at a full run behind a huge black snake I spotted.
      • He was the quintessential American: the Easterner who headed West, lighting out for the Territories, looking back over his shoulder only to make sure no one was following.
      • A bunch of us lit out from Maryland and headed down through the Allegheny Mountains to the southwest corner of West Virginia.
      • People have lit out after him and it just transforms the whole sport.
      • We are a society of people who light out for the territory when problems come along.
      • Two weeks ago they lit out again, this time to surrender.

Origin

Old English līhtan (in light (sense 2); also ‘lessen the weight of’), from light; compare with alight.

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