lucidity

[ loo-sid-i-tee ]

noun

1. the quality of being easily understood, completely intelligible, or comprehensible:

   She makes her argument with pointed logic and exemplary lucidity.

2. the ability to see things clearly; rationality; sanity:

   In a rare moment of lucidity, the senator sided with his political enemies for the good of the country.

Other Words From

• nonlu·cidi·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of lucidity¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin lūciditās, equivalent to lūcid(us) lucid ( def ) + -i- ( def ) + -tās -ty ²( def )

Example Sentences

The images created by cinematographer Adam Newport-Berra are oversaturated, too bright, and have an almost burning lucidity and crispness; the sound design is also overly pronounced and too sharp.

From Los Angeles Times

Republicans claimed the report highlighted voter concerns about his age and lucidity.

From BBC

Speech therapy continues, enabling her to speak intelligibly in a quiet room but with no sign she will recover the full lucidity of her natural voice.

From Seattle Times

But efficiency would be nothing without clarity, and the lucidity of the playing raises the stakes of a drama that prefers narrative telling to direct enactment.

From Los Angeles Times

“During periods of fragility, we have to be careful … The country must navigate this stage of electoral transition with complete lucidity and tranquility, so that the country continues to move forward,” said Sall.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• clarity