brightness
brightness — noun
1. the level of light in something, or the strength with which it shines.
the level of light in something, or the strength with which it shines.
The phone lets users lower the brightness before bed.
lower the brightness
At sunrise, the lake's brightness hurt Ravi's eyes.
Aiko checked the classroom brightness after the new bulbs arrived.
The brightness of the snow made Yusuf reach for sunglasses.
During the test, screen brightness stayed low on every tablet.
- light
broader and often names the thing itself, not its measured level
- brilliance
stronger and sometimes more literary or intense
- glow
suggests a softer or warmer kind of light
文法句型
the brightness of something
adjust the brightness
brightness stays low/high
用法筆記
Common with screen, lamp, snow, sun, and room, often after verbs like adjust, lower, or increase. Distinguish from sense 2, which is about vivid colour rather than the amount of light.
常見錯誤
2. the strength and clearness of a colour when it looks vivid and easy to notice.
the strength and clearness of a colour when it looks vivid and easy to notice.
The poster's brightness made the red letters jump out.
brightness of a color
Under the shop lights, the silk kept its brightness.
Mei loved the brightness of the tulips by the gate.
Rain washed away some brightness from the painted sign.
This camera adds brightness to greens and oranges.
文法句型
the brightness of a color
keep its brightness
lose some brightness
用法筆記
Usually used for colours, flowers, paint, clothes, and pictures. Distinguish from sense 1, which is about light level rather than strong colour.
3. a happy, hopeful look or manner that makes someone seem lively.
a happy, hopeful look or manner that makes someone seem lively.
The child's brightness returned when her mother waved from the bus.
brightness returns with good news
There was brightness in Omar's voice after the call.
brightness in someone's voice
A sudden brightness filled Priya's face at the news.
The teacher's brightness helped calm the nervous class.
Despite the rain, some brightness stayed in Noa's smile.
- cheerfulness
more general and does not focus on how it shows in the face or voice
- warmth
stresses kindness and friendliness more than hopefulness
- optimism
focuses on hopeful thinking rather than appearance
文法句型
brightness in someone's face
brightness in someone's voice
speak with brightness
用法筆記
Often appears with face, eyes, smile, and voice, especially in descriptive writing. Distinguish from sense 4, which is about mental ability rather than an outwardly hopeful effect.
4. the ability to understand things fast and learn new ones easily.
the ability to understand things fast and learn new ones easily.
Teachers noticed Hana's brightness in maths during first grade.
brightness in a student
The test showed more brightness than his quiet manner suggested.
Leila's brightness helped the team learn the new system quickly.
Even at five, the boy's brightness surprised his grandparents.
The school gave extra work to students with unusual brightness.
- intelligence
broader and more neutral for mental ability in general
- cleverness
often highlights skill in finding answers or solutions
- sharpness
suggests quick understanding and alert thinking
文法句型
someone's brightness
show brightness
brightness in a student
用法筆記
Common with child, student, and mind, and often after verbs like show, notice, or measure. Distinguish from sense 3, which describes a cheerful look or manner, not quick learning.