lucid

[ loo-sid ]

adjective

1. easily understood; completely intelligible or comprehensible:

   a lucid explanation.

   Synonyms: obvious, evident, understandable, plain

   Antonyms: obscure

2. characterized by clear perception or understanding; rational or sane:

   a lucid moment in his madness.

   Synonyms: reasonable, sound

   Antonyms: irrational

3. shining or bright.

   Synonyms: luminous, radiant

   Antonyms: dim

4. clear; pellucid; transparent.

   Synonyms: limpid

   Antonyms: obscure

lucid

/ ˈluːsɪd /

adjective

1. readily understood; clear
2. shining or glowing
3. psychiatry of or relating to a period of normality between periods of insane or irresponsible behaviour

Derived Forms

• ˈlucidly, adverb
• luˈcidity, noun

Other Words From

• lu·cidi·ty lucid·ness noun
• lucid·ly adverb
• non·lucid adjective
• non·lucid·ly adverb
• non·lucid·ness noun
• un·lucid adjective
• un·lucid·ly adverb
• un·lucid·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of lucid¹

First recorded in 1575–85; from Latin lūcidus, equivalent to lūc- (stem of lūx light ¹ ) + -idus -id ⁴

Word History and Origins

Origin of lucid¹

C16: from Latin lūcidus full of light, from lūx light

Example Sentences

Because Woods was lucid, had no odor of alcohol and gave off no evidence of having used medication or narcotics, Gonzalez did not administer a field sobriety test or call in a drug-recognition expert to assess Woods, Villanueva said.

From Washington Post

This quirk allows lucid dreamers to use eye movements to communicate with the outside world.

From Singularity Hub 

The writing is largely lucid and succinct, but repetitive in places.

From Washington Post

This visualization exercise, similar to lucid dreaming — the act of dreaming consciously — can enable us to cope better with our concerns about death and inspire us about our futures.

From Washington Post

I remember the feeling of relief when I came around the corner to see he was alive and lucid, followed by my dread when I realized he was in immense pain.

From Outside Online

Joseph Heller called it the “most stirring and lucid account of World War II that I have ever read.”

From The Daily Beast

Compact and precise—just 172 pages of text and 23 pages of notes—the book is a model of lucid historical writing.

From The Daily Beast

This “lucid interval” is found in nearly half of all cases of epidural hematoma (Bullock, Neurosurgery, 2006).

From The Daily Beast

I would look at the rest of his work to see if he was interested in lucid dreaming.

From The Daily Beast

My old boss has produced a highly readable, engaging, lucid book on practical economics.

From The Daily Beast

If I selected lucid and simple extracts, they would give no idea of the intricacy and prolixity of Duns.

From Project Gutenberg

Again, he may have lucid intervals during which he is quite as capable of contracting as other persons.

From Project Gutenberg

Again an insane person may make a will provided this is done during a lucid interval.

From Project Gutenberg

This plan was developed by Mr. Goulburn, in a lucid and able speech, on the 8th of March.

From Project Gutenberg

A lucid, correct, harmonious, style—they have forgotten what it means—what virtue there is in it.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• rational
• sane
• sober