brightness

noun

bright·​ness ˈbrīt-nəs 

1

a

: the quality or state of being bright

also : an instance of such a quality or state

b

: luminance

2

: the attribute of light-source colors by which emitted light is ordered continuously from light to dark in correlation with its intensity compare hue sense 2c, lightness entry 1 sense 2a, saturation sense 4

Synonyms

• brilliance
• brilliancy
• candor
• dazzle
• effulgence
• illumination
• lambency
• lightness
• luminance
• luminosity
• luminousness
• luster
• lustre
• lustrousness
• radiance
• refulgence
• splendor

Examples of brightness in a Sentence

the brightness of the sunshine made me squint after an afternoon spent in a darkened movie theater

Recent Examples on the Web

Sour cream: Complements the cream cheese base and adds some brightness and tang for a dynamic, fresh flavor. —Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2025

Amidst such a torrent of fascist chaos, the brightness and backbone of Real Women Have Curves feel bracing. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025

Salt brings out the richness of the avocado, the brightness of the lime and cilantro, and the zip of onion, garlic, and peppers. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Apr. 2025

Astronomers measure the apparent brightness of a night sky object by its magnitude. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 26 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for brightness

• lightness
• rightness
• tightness
• whiteness
• politeness
• uprightness

Medical Definition

brightness

noun

bright·​ness ˈbrīt-nəs 

: the one of the three psychological dimensions of color perception by which visual stimuli are ordered continuously from light to dark and which is correlated with light intensity compare hue, saturation sense 4a