lightness

noun (1)

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light·ness | \ ˈlīt-nəs

Definition of lightness

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : the quality or state of being illuminated the lightness [=brightness] of the room/sky

2a : the attribute of object colors by which the object appears to reflect or transmit more or less of the incident light — compare brightness sense 2, hue sense 2c, saturation sense 4

b : the quality or state of having or being a light (see light entry 2 sense 2a) skin color "As long as there's White racism, there will be racism within the Black community and favoritism for lightness."— Midge Wilson Elmore had a very fair complexion. And while he had never used the lightness of his skin to pass as white, the clerk who took his voter registration paperwork never asked the question. And just like that, George Elmore registered to vote.— Antjuan Seawright

lightness

noun (2)

Definition of lightness (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : the quality or state of being light especially in weight

2 : lack of seriousness and stability of character often accompanied by casual heedlessness

3a : the quality or state of being nimble

b : an ease and gaiety of style or manner

4 : a lack of weightiness or force : delicacy