Lucid
/ˈluːsɪd/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Lucid describes something that is very clear and easy to understand, like an explanation or idea. It can also describe a person who is thinking clearly, especially after being confused or sleepy.
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See It in Action
Clear and easy to understand (usually about speech, writing, or ideas)
- •Her explanation was very lucid and helped me understand the topic.
- •The book is written in a lucid style that anyone can follow.
- •He gave a lucid description of the problem during the meeting.
Mentally clear, especially after confusion or illness
- •After the fever, she was finally lucid and could speak clearly.
- •The patient had a few lucid moments during the night.
- •Even in old age, he remained lucid and sharp in his thinking.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "lucid" like "clear" (A1 word), but more about clear thinking or clear explanation, not just clear water or glass
- ✓Picture a bright light shining in a dark room, making everything easy to see and understand
- ✓It's the feeling when you suddenly understand a difficult problem clearly after being confused
- ✓Sounds like "LOO-sid" → imagine a "loo" (bathroom) that is very clean and clear inside, easy to use and understand
- ✓Think of a teacher explaining a hard topic in a way that makes everything simple and clear for students
- ✓NOT like "confused" (unclear, mixed up), but the opposite—lucid means clear and organized in mind or speech
- ✓NOT like "vague" (not clear or specific), lucid means very clear and detailed
- ✓NOT like "bright" (which can mean smart or shining), lucid focuses on clarity, not intelligence or light level
Try Other Words
- •Clear: easy to understand (Use when talking about simple explanations or ideas)
- •Understandable: easy to grasp (Use when emphasizing how easy it is to learn or know something)
- •Coherent: logically connected and clear (Use when focusing on ideas or speech that make sense together)
- •Rational: thinking in a logical way (Use when talking about clear thinking, especially in decision-making)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "luc-" (light) + "-id" (adjective suffix)
- •Etymology: From Latin "lucidus," meaning "shining, clear, bright"
- •Historical development: Originally meant shining or bright, later used metaphorically for clear thinking or expression
- •Modern usage: Used to describe clear, understandable speech or writing and clear mental state
- •Interesting fact: Related to the word "illuminate," which means to light up or make clear
Reflect & Connect
•When have you experienced a moment of being lucid after confusion? What helped you become clear?
•How can being lucid in communication help avoid misunderstandings in daily life?
Fill in the blanks
1.The teacher gave a lucid explanation that made the difficult topic ___ to all the students.
2.After waking up from the surgery, the patient was briefly ___ before falling asleep again.
3.A lucid argument usually has ___ reasons and examples that support it well.
4.When someone is not ___, their thoughts and words may be confusing or unclear.
5.Writers try to keep their style ___ so readers can easily follow their ideas.
6.During the interview, she was ___ and answered every question clearly and confidently.
7.A person who is ___ can think and speak without ___ or mistakes.