belicht

Belicht is a Dutch term that functions as both an adjective and the past participle of the verb belichten. It generally means exposed, illuminated, or highlighted, with the exact sense depending on context. Literally, it can describe something that has been brought into light; figuratively, it can describe something that has been emphasized or clarified.

Etymology and usage notes: Belichten is formed from the prefix be- and licht (light). The verb has several related senses, including to illuminate, to expose to light, and to highlight or stress a point. As a past participle, belicht is used to describe something that has undergone exposure or illumination, and it can function attributively (a belicht object) or predicatively (the image is belicht).

In photography and imaging: In photography, belichting denotes exposure—the amount of light allowed to reach a photosensitive surface. Correct belichting affects brightness and contrast and is controlled by shutter speed (sluitertijd), aperture (diafragma), and ISO sensitivity. A photograph that has been properly belicht is not onderbelicht (underexposed) nor overbelicht (overexposed). The noun belichting refers to the exposure process or to lighting in general.

Other uses: In broader Dutch usage, belichten can also mean to highlight or bring to light an issue or topic, such as to belichten a problem in a report. Related terms include onderbelicht and overbelicht for under- and overexposure, belichtingsduur for exposure duration, and belichtingscompensatie or belichtingscorrectie for exposure compensation.