luminosité
/ly.mi.no.zi.te/
The English phrase "brightness" is translated into French as luminosité.
luminosité refers to the quality of being bright or the steady state of light.
Meaning: the quality of being bright (noun)
Which one should you use?
While luminosité refers to a steady state of light or brightness, the word éclat is used to describe a sudden burst of light or a sparkling brilliance.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun luminosité is feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ly.mi.no.zi.te/
Did you know?
- The word éclat, used for a burst of brightness, is also the standard term for a 'shout' or a 'burst' of laughter, such as éclat de rire.
- Unlike English, which uses 'bright' for both light and color, French uses lumineux for light and vif for a bright or vivid color.
- While luminosité describes light, the related word lumignon refers to a tiny, flickering candle or a nightlight used to ward off the dark.
Examples in context
- La luminosité des rayons du soleil est rapidement atténuée lorsqu'ils traversent l'eau.The brightness of the sunlight is attenuated quickly as it passes through the water.This sentence is useful for describing how the brightness of the sun's rays is affected by water.Tatoeba #9192443 by Micsmithel, translation #9032559 by AlanF_US
- La luminosité de cette pièce est incroyable !The brightness of this room is incredible!
- N'oubliez pas d'ajuster la luminosité de l'écran.Don't forget to adjust the screen brightness.
- La luminosité de l'étoile est captivante.The brightness of the star is captivating.
- J'aime la clarté des jours ensoleillés.I love the brightness of sunny days.
- Ajoute un peu de clarté à la photo.Add some brightness to the photo.
- La clarté de la lune est étonnante ce soir.The brightness of the moon is astonishing tonight.
- La luminosité de cette pièce est incroyable.The brightness of this room is incredible.
- Il faut régler la luminosité de l'écran.You need to adjust the screen brightness.
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are adjusting a lamp in a living room.
- LéaTu trouves que la luminosité est suffisante ?Do you think the brightness is sufficient?
- GabrielNon, c'est encore un peu trop sombre.No, it is still a bit too dark.
- LéaJe vais augmenter la luminosité alors.I will increase the brightness then.
- GabrielOui, c'est beaucoup mieux maintenant, Léa.Yes, it is much better now, Léa.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry luminosité, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
