It’s the 21st century, and we’ve come a long way since the invention of the discovery of fire.
“Light” is a valuable word to describe something. In addition to brightness, color, and visibility, light can also be considered a physical effect. Metaphorical meanings are associated with light, including enlightenment, understanding, and hope.
Light is often integral to what you describe, particularly when describing colors or lighting effects. Light can influence how you interpret a scene, adding drama or creating a specific mood. It can also draw attention to a particular object or person in a scene. Lighting can also create shadows, adding depth and texture to an image.
So, when writing about light, using the word accurately is vital. Incorrect use can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. When using words about light, it’s crucial to use them appropriately.
There is a similar infographic floating around. I’ve included it in text form because I alphabetized the items, added some new terms, and split some of the words that were separated by a forward slash.
38 anthropomorphic characteristics of light
Light is often personified in literature and art as a source of illumination and guidance. This personification of light has been used to convey themes of hope and transcendence. It emphasizes the beauty and power of light in the natural and spiritual world.
- Alert
- Beckoning
- Comforting
- Concealing
- Dancing
- Depressing
- Erratic
- Fickle
- Forgiving
- Frugal
- Gentle
- Harsh
- Intimidating
- Inviting
- Kind
- Lively
- Lonely
- Longevity
- Mean
- Mysterious
- Nostalgic
- Offensive
- Optimistic
- Overpowering
- Patronizing
- Pessimistic
- Powerful
- Relentless
- Restrained
- Revealing
- Ruthless
- Searching
- Secretive
- Somber
- Superficial
- Suspicious
- Unrelenting
- Welcoming
21 ways to identify sources of light
Light can come from natural sources such as the sun, moon, and stars or from artificial sources such as light bulbs, candles, and lamps. Light is also reflected off surfaces, such as walls, furniture, and other objects.
- Aurora
- Beacon
- Bulb
- Candle
- Daybreak
- Fire
- Firefly
- Flame
- Floodlight
- Lantern
- Limelight
- Moonlight
- Prism
- Spark
- Spotlight
- Starburst
- Starlight
- Sunbeam
- Sunlight
- Sunrise
- Sunset
47 physical characteristics of light
In its simplest definition, light is electromagnetic radiation that travels in a wave-like pattern at the speed of light. It can be polarized and refracted and can be used to transmit information. Light can also interact with matter, producing a variety of effects.
- Beam
- Bend
- Brighten
- Burn
- Burst
- Cast
- Crowd
- Diffuse
- Downpour
- Enduring
- Filter through
- Flare
- Flash
- Flicker
- Flood
- Flow
- Glare
- Gleam
- Glimmer
- Glint
- Glitter
- Glow
- Illuminate
- Inflame
- Kindle
- Lighten
- Lower
- Meld
- Melt
- Probing
- Radiate
- Reflect
- Refract
- Rise
- Scatter
- Seep
- Settle onto
- Shine
- Shower
- Shut
- Sit onto
- Sparkle
- Spectrum
- Spill
- Split
- Wave
- Wavelength
87 physical descriptions of light
Light can be seen as the life force, bringing clarity to the darkness. It can be a source of comfort, providing reassurance and security. It can be seen as a symbol of hope, radiating optimism and courage.
- Ablaze
- Aglow
- Angled
- Aspect
- Blinding
- Bright
- Brilliant
- Burnished
- Clear
- Cloudless
- Cloudy
- Cold
- Colorful
- Concentrated
- Confined
- Contained
- Curved
- Dark
- Deep
- Dense
- Dim
- Distinct
- Divided
- Dull
- Dusty
- Faint
- Fast
- Fractional
- Fragmentary
- Fresh
- Ghostly
- Glossy
- Hard
- Heavy
- High
- Hot
- Indistinct
- Lambent
- Linear
- Long
- Long-lived
- Low
- Lucent
- Luminous
- Luster
- Lustrous
- Mild
- Moderate
- Musky
- Neutral
- Obscured
- Parallel
- Pitch
- Polished
- Pulsing
- Quick
- Ray
- Refulgent
- Resplendent
- Rich
- Scintillated
- Sectional
- Segmented
- Sepia
- Shadow
- Shallow
- Sharp
- Sheen
- Short-lived
- Single
- Slant
- Slight
- Slow
- Smooth
- Soft
- Sparse
- Spectral
- Splendor
- Strong
- Sunny
- Swift
- Thick
- Thin
- Tidal
- Unclouded
- Warm
- Weak
What are the 14 types of light
Natural light is sunlight, while man-made sources create the rest of the types.
- Artificial
- Fluorescent
- Halogen
- Highlight
- High-pressure sodium
- Incandescent
- LED
- Lowlight
- Luminescent
- Mercury vapor
- Natural
- Phosphorescent
- White
- Yellow
So think about it: what does the color temperature of light do to the overall feel of a room? Apply that thought to your story.
How can light — or dark — affect the story you’re telling? With the proper use of light and dark, a storyteller can create a powerful reaction in their audience.
