lūx
feminine
In Latin, the English phrase light can be translated as lūx or lūmen.
Meaning: visible light, brightness (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | Note |
|---|---|
| lūx | feminine |
| lūmen | neuter |
Both words describe light, the brightness that lets us see, but they stress different aspects of it.
Which one should you use?
lūx is a feminine noun that refers to the abstract concept of light or the source of light itself. In contrast, lūmen is a neuter noun used to describe the light that is emitted or the physical manifestation of light, such as light that is perceived by the eye or can be measured.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing 'of the light', the form depends on which noun you are using. For the abstract concept or source, use the genitive singular lūcis (the genitive of lūx). For the physical or emitted light, use the genitive singular lūminis (the genitive of lūmen).
Did you know?
- The word lūmen is used in modern English medicine to describe the opening of a blood vessel, a direct descendant of the Latin usage.
- The word lūx is the root of the English word 'elucidate', which means to make something clear or to throw light upon a subject.
- In Roman poetry, lūmen is often used as a metaphor for a person, such as a 'light of one's eyes' or a guide through darkness.
Examples in context
- Nocte ignes in tenebris lumen praebent.At night, fires provide light in the darkness.
- Sol clarissime splendet.The sun shines very brightly.
- Lūx stellarum fulget.The light of the stars shines.
- Lūx lunae noctem illuminat.The light of the moon illuminates the night.
Example conversation
Lucia and Gaius are looking up at the night sky.
- LuciaVidesne lūcem lunae?Do you see the light of the moon?
- GaiusIta, lūcem vidēre possum.Yes, I can see the light.
- LuciaEstne lūx nimium clara?Is the light too bright?
- GaiusNōn, lūx est pulchra.No, the light is beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “light” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
