Make light of Meaning in English
expression
ˈmeɪk/ /ˈɫaɪt/ /ˈəv
MAYK-LYTE-uhv
mˈeɪk/ /lˈaɪt/ /ˈɒv
MAYK-LYTE-ov
Definition
To treat something as less serious or important than it really is.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used in both formal and informal speech. Often implies someone is not taking a problem seriously enough. Frequent collocations: 'make light of the situation', 'make light of his injuries.' Not about turning lights on/off.
Spanish: restar importancia a - tomarse a la ligeraPortuguese (BR): minimizar - não dar importânciaPortuguese (PT): minimizar - não dar importânciaChinese (Simplified): 轻描淡写 - 轻视Chinese (Traditional): 輕描淡寫 - 輕視Hindi: गंभीरता को कम करना - हल्के में लेनाArabic: يستخف بـ - يقلل من أهميةBengali: তুচ্ছ মনে করা - গুরুত্বহীন করে দেখাRussian: приуменьшать - не придавать значенияJapanese: 軽く扱う - 軽視するVietnamese: xem nhẹ - coi thườngKorean: 가볍게 여기다 - 대수롭지 않게 여기다Turkish: hafife almak - küçümsemekUrdu: ہلکا لینا - سنجیدہ نہ لیناIndonesian: menganggap enteng - meremehkan
Example Sentences
You should not make light of her worries.
basic
He tried to make light of his mistake during the meeting.
basic
Don't make light of the situation; it's very serious.
basic
She tried to make light of the rumors, but they bothered her.
natural
It’s easy to make light of other people’s problems when you haven’t experienced them yourself.
natural
I know you want to make light of your injury, but you should see a doctor.
natural