lit
Lit (verb) means past tense and past participle of light, used for setting something on fire or turning on a light. Example: “She lit the candles before her guests arrived.”
How to use lit
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSet on fire, switched on, or (in slang) drunk / thrilling.
The "drunk" and "exciting" senses are casual slang — avoid them in formal writing.
Word forms
more lit comparative, litter comparative, more lit comparative, litted past tense, litted past tense, lits singular, lits singular, most lit superlative, littest superlative, most lit superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ the candles before her guests arrived.
Etymology
An old alternative past tense of "light," formed by analogy with words like bit and fit; the slang senses (drunk, excellent) developed much more recently in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for lit
See all rhymes for lit →Frequently asked questions
What does “lit” mean?
The word “lit” means past tense and past participle of light, used for setting something on fire or turning on a light. In plain terms, set on fire, switched on, or (in slang) drunk / thrilling.
How do you pronounce “lit”?
“Lit” is pronounced LIHT (/ˈlɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “lit” in a sentence?
Here is “lit” used in a sentence: “She lit the candles before her guests arrived.”
What part of speech is “lit”?
Depending on how it is used, “lit” can be a verb and an adjective.
Is “lit” a common word?
“Lit” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “lit” have?
“Lit” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: past tense and past participle of light, used for setting something on fire or turning on a light.
What is the difference between "lit" and "lighted"?
Both "lit" and "lighted" are accepted as the past tense and past participle of "light." "Lit" is more common in most contexts, as in "she lit the candle," while "lighted" often sounds more formal and is frequently used as an adjective before a noun, as in "a lighted match."
Is "lit" the correct past tense of "light"?
Yes, "lit" is the standard past tense and past participle of "light," whether it means to set something on fire or to turn on a light. "Lighted" is an accepted alternative, but "lit" is used more often in everyday speech and writing.
What is the difference between "lit" and "illuminated"?
As adjectives, both mean having light shining on or in something. "Lit" is the everyday word, as in "a well-lit room," while "illuminated" is more formal and can also suggest decorative or deliberate lighting, as in "an illuminated sign."
When should you use "lit" as an adjective?
Use "lit" as an adjective to describe something that has light shining on or in it, as in "a dimly lit street" or "a brightly lit stage." It is usually paired with an adverb such as "well," "dimly," or "brightly" to describe the level of light.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include lit: