light face: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical (typography); Literary/Figurative
Quick answer
What does “light face” mean?
In typography, a typeface with thin, fine strokes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In typography, a typeface with thin, fine strokes; a font weight that is lighter than the regular or bold version.
Sometimes used metaphorically to describe a gentle, delicate, or non-serious expression or presentation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used identically in professional typographic contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language; confined to specialist discourse in design, publishing, and printing.
Grammar
How to Use “light face” in a Sentence
[The designer] used light face [for the captions].The body text was set in [a light face].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “light face” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The typesetter will light-face the subheadings.
American English
- We need to lightface the footnotes.
adverb
British English
- The title was printed light-face, contrary to the brief.
American English
- Set the page numbers light-face.
adjective
British English
- She selected a light-face variant for the quotes.
American English
- Use the light-face option in the style palette.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in branding and document design specifications (e.g., 'The logo uses the light face of the corporate font.').
Academic
Used in design theory, visual communication, and publishing studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in typography, graphic design, and desktop publishing software.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “light face”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “light face”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “light face”
- Using it to mean a pale complexion (that is 'a light complexion').
- Confusing it with 'lighthearted' in expression.
- Using it as a general adjective-noun pair instead of a fixed compound noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialized term from typography and is not used in everyday conversation.
Not correctly. To describe someone with a pale or cheerful face, you would say 'pale complexion' or 'bright face'.
They are often synonymous. 'Light face' specifically refers to the weight (lightness) of a particular typeface family.
It is pronounced as two separate words: /ˈlaɪt ˌfeɪs/. The stress is roughly equal on both words.
In typography, a typeface with thin, fine strokes.
Light face is usually technical (typography); literary/figurative in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None standard. Potential creative use: 'He answered with a light face, avoiding confrontation.'”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a face (typeface) that is light, not heavy or bold.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEIGHT IS VISUAL PROMINENCE (a light face carries less visual weight).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'light face' primarily used?