light-seeking
|light-seek-ing|
/ˈlaɪtˌsiːkɪŋ/
move toward light
Etymology
'light-seeking' originates from Modern English as a compound of 'light' and the present participle 'seeking'; 'light' ultimately derives from Old English 'lēoht' (from Proto-Germanic *leukhtaz) meaning 'light, brightness', and 'seek' derives from Old English 'sēcan' meaning 'to seek'.
'light' evolved from Old English 'lēoht' to Middle English 'light' with the meaning 'brightness'; 'seek' evolved from Old English 'sēcan' to Middle English 'seken'/'seken' and then modern 'seek'. The compound 'light-seeking' is a straightforward modern English formation combining these elements.
Individually the roots originally meant 'brightness' (light) and 'to look for' (seek); the compound came to mean 'looking for or moving toward light' and later acquired metaphorical senses such as 'seeking attention or enlightenment'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
moving toward or attracted to light; exhibiting positive phototaxis or phototropism (used especially in biology).
The larvae are light-seeking and congregate near illuminated surfaces.
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Adjective 2
figurative: seeking enlightenment, attention, or exposure to positivity/clarity (used metaphorically of people or attitudes).
Her light-seeking temperament led her to pursue careers that put her in the public eye.
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Last updated: 2025/10/16 02:49