lighter

UK: ˈlaɪ.tər | US: ˈlaɪ.t̬ɚ

Definition

  1. n. a device used to ignite a flame (e.g., cigarette lighter)

  2. adj. comparative form of "light" (less heavy)

  3. v. to make or become less heavy (rare usage)

Structure

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Etymology

The word "lighter" has two distinct origins:

  1. As a noun meaning "a device for lighting," it derives from the verb "light" (Old English līhtan, "to illuminate") + the agentive suffix "-er," indicating a tool or person performing an action (e.g., "fighter," "printer").
  2. As the comparative form of the adjective "light" (Old English lēoht, "not heavy"), the suffix "-er" follows standard English comparative rules (e.g., "lighter" vs. "lightest").
    The dual meanings reflect the word's split ancestry: one tied to illumination, the other to weight.
Examples

  1. He flicked the lighter to ignite the candle.

  2. This suitcase is lighter than the one I carried yesterday.

  3. The new alloy makes the car significantly lighter.

  4. She handed me a lighter to start the campfire.

  5. Feathers are lighter than stones.