"Lite or Light?"
The word lite is usually a misspelling of light but has been used recently as part of names or features of certain products. Such product and feature names are proper nouns and are typically capitalized.
The follow are the two most common uses of the word Lite:
A version or mode of technology that offers fewer features.
Example: Google Chrome used to have a Lite Mode, which helped load pages while using less data.
A low-fat, low-sugar, and/or less dense version of a food product.
Example: The Lite version of the ABCD coffee does not have a deep taste.
Now, let us take a look at light. Light is the correct spelling when referring to one of the following.
Noun: Waves that are within the visible electromagnetic spectrum and make objects visible to human beings.
Example: The light from the sun brightened up the room.
Noun: An artificial fixture that produces waves that are within the visible electromagnetic spectrum.
Example: Mom turned on the kitchen light.
Noun: A figurative expression that conveys enlightenment.
Example: Light dawned on him when he saw the feather and apple fall at the same time.
Noun: Light-colored objects.
Example: Separate your lights and darks before doing your laundry.
Noun: A figurative expression that conveys hope.
Example: There will always be light at the end of a tunnel.
Noun: A viewpoint or perspective.
Example: If we look at the situation from a different light, it is an opportunity to grow.
Verb: To illuminate or brighten, both figuratively and literally.
Example: My dog lights up my world.
Verb: To turn on a natural or artificial source of visible electromagnetic waves.
Example: Please light up that candle before proceeding into the cave.
Adjective: Of little weight.
Example: Since your luggage is light, you can easily carry it up the stairs.
Adjective: Low in density, amount, or intensity.
Example: The criminal got a light sentence of only one year in prison.
Adjective: Not heavy or serious.
Example: The mood was light and cheerful.
Adjective: Pale in color
Example: The woman was wearing a light green dress.
There are some less common or archaic uses of the word light, such as the verb light which means landing or stepping down. The above are the most common uses of light and will cover most situations that involve the use of the word.
Is there an easy way to know whether you should use Lite or light? Going through each and every definition of light may be time-consuming, so the easiest method is to see if the word is part of a proper noun that denotes a brighter or less intense version or feature of a product. If so, use the spelling Lite, which is typically capitalized. If not, use the word light.
Practice questions
Try out some practice questions to see if you can tell whether you should use lite or light in the following sentences. The answers are at the end of the page.
- I chose to buy a Nintendo Switch Lite/light because it is cheaper than the full-featured version.
- Glen started her workout off by lifting Lite/light weights so she wouldn’t strain her muscles.
- Dwayne is a Lite/light sleeper, so he wakes up easily to even small sounds.
- Marlene sleeps with the Lites/lights on because she is afraid of the dark.
- Hershey’s Lite/light Syrup does not sell as well as the original Hershey’s Syrup.
- Some users are advocating for a Lite/light Mode for Discord, which would omit all the excessive features to provide a simpler experience.
- The bright Lite/light from the sun made Gordon squint.
- Rebecca ate a Lite/light meal a few hours before the volleyball match.
- Mitchell was wearing his Lite/light blue suit which he only wears on special occasions.
- Tasha Lites/lights up the classroom with her bright and cheerful personality.
Answers to practice questions:
- Lite
- light
- light
- lights
- Lite
- Lite
- light
- light
- light
- lights
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