bright
/braɪt/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
- 1.
Giving a lot of light, or having strong light. It can also mean easy to see because of light or colour.
- The room is bright in the morning.
- She wore a bright yellow dress.
- The stars looked bright tonight.
- 2.
Intelligent and quick to understand things. It often suggests natural ability.
- He is a bright student.
- She asked a bright question.
- The teacher said the child was bright.
- 3.
Cheerful, hopeful, or full of energy. This use is common in talk about people, futures, and ideas.
- She has a bright smile.
- They have a bright future.
- His mood was bright after the news.
Adinary Nuance
Bright is broader than many near-neighbors. For light, it is more general than dazzling or radiant, which feel stronger or more poetic. For intelligence, bright is warmer and less formal than intelligent or clever, and it often sounds approving. For mood, bright is more positive and everyday than cheerful.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- sáng
- Spanish
- brillante
- Chinese
- 明亮的
- Japanese
- 明るい
- Korean
- 밝은
Etymology
Bright comes from Old English beorht, meaning “shining” or “clear.” It has been used in English for light, intelligence, and cheerful feelings since early times.
Common phrases
bright lightbright ideabright futurebright smile
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is bright a formal word?
- No. It is common in everyday English and also works in writing.
- What is the difference between bright and clever?
- Bright often sounds more natural and positive. Clever can suggest quick thinking or skillful tricks.
- Can bright describe a person?
- Yes. It often means intelligent, quick to learn, or mentally active.
- Does bright only mean light?
- No. It can also mean intelligent, cheerful, or hopeful.