lucido
/ˈlu.t͡ʃi.do/
The English phrase 'lucid' translates to the Italian adjective lucido.
lucido is used to describe something that is clear, easy to understand. However, be aware that lucido is also frequently used in a physical sense to mean 'shiny' or 'polished'.
Meaning: clear, easily understood (adj)
Which one should you use?
While lucido describes a lucid thought or a shiny surface, if you want to specifically describe a piece of writing or an explanation as being transparent and clear, you might use the more formal term perspicuo.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, lucido must agree with the noun it modifies. Use lucida for the feminine singular, lucidi for the masculine plural and lucide for the feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlu.tʃi.do/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- Because lucido can mean 'shiny', telling someone 'hai un viso lucido' might be interpreted as a comment on their oily skin rather than their complexion.
- While lucido means 'clear' in a mental sense, it is also the word for 'polish' when used as a noun, such as il lucido for shoe polish.
- In a legal or medical context, lucidità is the noun used to describe the legal capacity or 'sanity' of a person to make a decision.
Examples in context
- Tom è lucido?Is Tom lucid?This sentence is useful for asking about a person's mental clarity using lucido.Tatoeba #3838165 by Guybrush88, translation #2244620 by CK
- Hai già fatto un sogno lucido?Have you already had a lucid dream?This sentence uses lucido to describe the experience of a lucid dream.Tatoeba #9042422 by carlosalberto, translation #9041933 by absvfx
- L'autore ha uno stile di scrittura lucido, che rende il libro piacevole da leggere.The author has a lucid writing style that makes the book enjoyable to read.This sentence uses lucido to describe a clear writing style.Tatoeba #10304637 by carlosalberto, translation #10304619 by carlosalberto
- Il relatore ha spiegato il concetto in modo chiaroThe speaker explained the concept clearly
- L'insegnante ha reso l'argomento più intelligibileThe teacher made the topic more comprehensible
- Il discorso del presidente è stato perspicuo e incisivoThe president's speech was lucid and impactful
Example conversation
Sofia and Francesco are discussing a complex legal document.
- SofiaQuesto paragrafo non è molto lucido.This paragraph is not very clear.
- FrancescoHai ragione, Sofia. È scritto male.You are right, Sofia. It is written poorly.
- SofiaDobbiamo renderlo più lucido per il cliente.We need to make it clearer for the client.
- FrancescoSì, ci lavoriamo subito, Francesco.Yes, let's work on it right away, Francesco.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lucido, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
