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

Burning magnesium, titanium and aluminum will emit a bright white light, adding brightness to a firework. —David Bressan, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

Fresh herbs add an incomparable finishing brightness to a dish and shine in raw applications—like your bread dipping oil. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2024

Integrated Lighting and Smart Features Integrated and smart lighting offering customizable brightness, color temperature, and automation features are in high demand as homeowners prioritize convenience and personalization in lighting control. —Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Dec. 2024

Measuring the brightness told them the strength of the magnetic field around the grapes, which turned out to be twice as strong with grapes than without. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 27 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

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