How to pronounce lightness
Say it like LYTE-nus. Lightness has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LYTE).
- LYTE
- nus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Lightness pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LYTESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- nusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of lightness
American and British speakers say lightness in essentially the same way: /ˈlaɪtnəs/ in the US and /ˈlaɪtnəs/ in the UK.
British respelling: LYTE-nus.
What does lightness mean?
- the condition of being illuminated
- the relative whiteness or transparency of a colour
- The product of being illuminated.
- The state of having little (or less) weight, or little force.
- Agility of movement.
- Freedom from worry.
Where does lightness come from?
From Middle English lightnes, lightnesse, from Old English līhtnes, lȳhtnys (“enlightening, illumination”), from Proto-West Germanic *liuhtinassī; equivalent to light (“to make bright, illuminate”, verb) + -ness (suffix forming nouns).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- elation
- high spirits
- weightlessness
- agility
- legerity
- lightsomeness
- nimbleness
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with lightness
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of lightness.
Questions about saying lightness
How do you pronounce lightness?
Say LYTE-nus. The American pronunciation is /ˈlaɪtnəs/. In British English it is /ˈlaɪtnəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in lightness?
Lightness has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LYTE). Broken into parts: LYTE · nus.
Do Americans and Brits say lightness the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈlaɪtnəs/ and the British form is /ˈlaɪtnəs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.