leggero

Leggero is an Italian adjective meaning light in weight, not heavy. It is used to describe physical properties such as objects or substances, as well as non-physical qualities like tone, mood, or flavor. For example, una borsa leggera can be described as lightweight, and una dieta leggera refers to a light or easy-to-digest diet. The word also appears in contexts such as color or sound, where it conveys a sense of delicacy, brightness, or subtlety.

Etymology and usage notes: leggero derives from the Latin levis, meaning light or airy. In Italian, the adjective agrees with the noun in gender and number, with forms including leggero (masc. sing.), leggera (fem. sing.), leggeri (masc. pl.), and leggere (fem. pl.). Beyond physical weight, leggero is common in everyday speech and writing to indicate something not heavy, either literally or figuratively, such as a leggera preferenza for a light preference or un tono leggero for a light, unfixed mood.

In music and arts terminology, related forms such as leggiero are used to convey lightness and delicacy. In musical notation, leggierezza and related terms instruct performers to play with a light, graceful touch, often in contrast to heavier or more intense styles.

See also: the broader concept of lightness in Italian descriptors, including leggiadro and other nuanced terms for mood, texture, and flavor.

Overall, leggero functions as a versatile descriptor in Italian, applied across everyday language, culinary contexts, and artistic expression to denote lightness or ease.