ray
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for ray, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A narrow beam of light or other radiation.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use ray
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Borrowed through Old French rai from Latin radius ("spoke, staff") — the same root as "radius" and "radiate."
Full origin of ray →Frequently asked questions
What does “ray” mean?
The word “ray” means a narrow beam of light or other radiation. In plain terms, a beam of light, a geometric line from a point, or a flat-bodied ocean fish.
How do you pronounce “ray”?
“Ray” is pronounced ray (/ɹeɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “ray” in a sentence?
Here is “ray” used in a sentence: “A single ray of sunlight broke through the clouds.”
What is another word for “ray”?
Words with a similar meaning to “ray” include Arsacia.
What part of speech is “ray”?
Depending on how it is used, “ray” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “ray” come from?
The word “ray” comes from Latin. Borrowed through Old French rai from Latin radius ("spoke, staff") — the same root as "radius" and "radiate.".
Is “ray” a common word?
“Ray” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “ray” have?
“Ray” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a narrow beam of light or other radiation.
What is the difference between a ray and a beam?
A ray is a single, narrow line of light or radiation travelling in one direction. A beam is a broader stream made up of many rays grouped together. So a laser produces a tight beam, while a single ray is the thinnest element within it. In everyday use the words overlap, but a beam is generally wider.
What are the different types of rays?
In terms of light and radiation, common types include sun rays (visible light), ultraviolet rays, infrared rays, X-rays, gamma rays, and cosmic rays. They differ mainly in wavelength and energy, from harmless visible light to high-energy X-rays and gamma rays used in medicine and produced by stars.
What is an example of a ray?
A shaft of sunlight breaking through clouds is a familiar example of a ray, a narrow beam of visible light. Other examples include the ray from a torch or laser pointer, an X-ray used in hospitals, and the ultraviolet rays from the sun that cause sunburn on exposed skin.
Does the word ray have other meanings?
Yes. Besides a narrow beam of light or radiation, ray is a geometry term for a line that starts at one point and extends infinitely in one direction. It is also the name of a flat-bodied sea fish related to the shark, and a short form of the name Raymond. Context makes the meaning clear.