light
UK[laɪt]US[laɪt]
n
The natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible.
n
A source of illumination, such as a lamp or a flame.
adj
Having a considerable or sufficient amount of natural light; not dark.
adj
Of little weight; not heavy.
v
To provide with light or lighting; to illuminate.
v
To descend from a vehicle or horse; to alight.
Etymology
The modern English word 'light' carries a fascinating duality, stemming from the convergence of two separate ancient lineages. The meaning related to illumination descends from the Proto-Indo-European root leuk- meaning 'light, brightness', which gave rise to a vast family of words across languages, including Latin 'lux' and Greek 'leukos' (white). The meaning related to lack of weight comes from the PIE root legwh- meaning 'not heavy, agile'. These two distinct streams, 'lēoht' and 'līht', coexisted in Old English with different pronunciations and vowel sounds. Over centuries of phonetic change and spelling standardization in Middle English, the two forms merged into the identical modern spelling and pronunciation 'light', creating a unique homograph where the same word form signifies two fundamentally different concepts—one of vision and radiance, the other of physical weight.
Analysis
The word 'light' is a simplex word of Germanic origin. Its modern spelling and sound represent the coalescence of two distinct Old English words: 'lēoht' (brightness, radiant energy) and 'līht' (not heavy). Both evolved from Proto-Germanic roots: leuhtą (light, brightness) and linhtaz (light, not heavy), which in turn derive from different Proto-Indo-European roots.
Examples
The morning light streamed through the window.
This suitcase is surprisingly light and easy to carry.
Please light the candles on the dining table.