MEANING
A clever, lively quality of wit that remains interesting and intelligent without becoming unkind.
Use it for
Describe wit that is lively, intelligent, and still kind.Describe dialogue or narration that feels intelligent and sparkling without becoming cutting.
Words that belong together
- lambency in dialogue
- a writer’s lambency
- a combination of ferocity and lambency
On the page
The poet’s lambency softened even the sharpest line of the argument.
Nearby words
Word forms
- Base
- lambency
Explore related collections
Usage notes
Cambridge records this specialized literary sense of humorous, intelligent liveliness without unkindness; do not confuse it with “lambent” light.
Practice this word in a sentenceYour margin notes
Keep a thought for later. Sign in to save privately.