light

Everyday

1. Light is what lets us see; it comes from the Sun, lamps and fire. tree →
2. A light is a lamp or bulb. tree →
3. Light means not heavy, weighing little. tree →
4. Light means pale, not dark, in colour: light blue. tree →
5. To light is to start a fire or make something burn or shine. tree →
6. Light means gentle or small: a light rain, a light meal. tree →
7. Light can also mean bright, full of light, not dark. tree →

In the lessons

lamps counted; or «lighter» comparing weights; in science: light travels in straight lines and very fast, it bounces off mirrors (reflection), shadows form when light is blocked; plants need light to grow; in safety: traffic lights, wear lights on a bike at night, never play with matches; phrases: «turn on the light», «traffic lights», «light as a feather», «come to light» (be found out)

Examples

• The room has 6 lights. tree →
• The bag is 2 kg lighter than the box. tree →
• A light flashes every 3 seconds. tree →
• 4 lights went out. tree →
• Light from the Sun takes about 8 minutes to reach the Earth. tree →
• A shadow forms when something blocks the light. tree →
• Wait for the green light before you cross. tree →
• This box is as light as a feather. tree →
• Dad lit the candles on the cake. tree →
• She wore a light blue dress. tree →
• How splendid and light it is! tree →

Note

«Lighter by» means take away from the weight. Lights going out take away. Opposites: light/dark, light/heavy. Past of the verb: lit (or lighted). Trap: a «lighter» bag weighs less, but a «lighter» colour is paler — read which sense.

In Jewish tradition

In Genesis the first light is made by God's word on the first day, before the sun. To "light" lamps means to kindle the lamps of the Tabernacle.

Interpretation. Tradition asks what this first light was and often says it was a special, holy light. Light is a sign of goodness and of Torah, and Jews light Shabbat and Hanukkah candles.

Examples

• And God said: 'Let there be light.' And there was light. (Torah GEN.1.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• And God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. (Torah GEN.1.5, JPS 1917) tree →
• And he lighted the lamps before the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses. (Torah EXO.40.25, JPS 1917) tree →
• It is darkness, and not light. (Prophets AMO.5.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• And upon whom doth not His light arise? (Writings JOB.25.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• The Jews had light and gladness, and joy and honour. (Writings EST.8.16, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

«Lighter by» means take away from the weight. Lights going out take away. Opposites: light/dark, light/heavy. Past of the verb: lit (or lighted). Trap: a «lighter» bag weighs less, but a «lighter» colour is paler — read which sense.