brightness

Pronunciation: /ˈbɹaɪtnəs/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the location of a visual perception along a continuum from black to white
  2. noun intelligence as manifested in being quick and witty
  3. noun the quality of being luminous; emitting or reflecting light

Etymology

From Middle English bryghtnes, brightnesse, from Old English beorhtnes (“brightness, splendor”), from Proto-West Germanic *berhtnassī, equivalent to bright + -ness. Cognate with Old High German berahtnessī, berahtnessi (“brightness”).

In classic literature

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
light
Narrower (hyponyms)
glare, glint, flash, opalescence, radiance, glitter
Opposite (antonyms)
dullness

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