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

Other Word Forms

• lucidity noun
• lucidly adverb
• lucidness noun
• nonlucid adjective
• nonlucidly adverb
• nonlucidness noun
• unlucid adjective
• unlucidly adverb
• unlucidness 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

The hearing was also told that Mrs Kneale's family said she was "chatty", lucid and did not appear agitated when they left her at the hospital late on the evening of 12 November.

From BBC

And while he does so, he remains always calm and lucid.

From BBC

His answer was lucid as a fog bank and inspiring as a stalk of celery.

From Los Angeles Times

“He’s worked as a satirist; he’s written parodies, political thrillers; he’s moved from a fairly earnest modern style to a very lucid, clear style.”

From Los Angeles Times

For a woman who had made a reputation as a lucid, sharp chronicler of the reality of American lives, Didion struggled with the irrational thoughts that flooded her mind afterward.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• rational 
• sane 
• sober