When is it proper to use the word "lite" versus the word "light"?

Answer 1

Actually yes, it's true that Lite is used to describe foods with lower calorie or fat content. However it can also be used to describe a smaller version of a software... a computer program that does not have all it's features installed but works faster. For example Kazaa Lite, ICQ Lite, AceMoney Lite.

I'm pretty sure that this word started being used in marketing and went on to be used by the common person as a slang and lazy version of the word light. So I assume that it will be used more and more as time goes on, with pretty much any subject.

Answer 2

Lite is one of those funny words made up by the food industry used when talking about something that is lower in calories than the original product; such as Lite Mayonaise. It's a non-word that can only be used in conjunction with food that has so many less calories than something else.
It is also used as text lingo for its homonyms such as light because it is shorted and doesn't have that annoying "gh" in the middle that is so had to text on a cell phone.

Answer 3

Light is the English version of the slang lazy word "lite".

Answer 4

Light is the absence of dark. In spite of what people say, Lite doesn't mean less calories or less fat, it's an advertising gimmick applied to make you 'think' it contains less, when in reality Lite can also refer to , but is not limited to, weight, colour, texture, or manufacturing progress.

Answer 5

Actually the word lite is a relatively new slang word used to describe low-fat foods.
It would only be appropriate to use in the context of low-fat foods.

Answer 6

I would say "lite" isn't a word, although given its prevalence in product names/labels, it may be listed in the dictionary as "ad-speak" (much as "ain't" isn't a proper word but is listed in the dictionary as slang). If you're designing ad-copy or a product label, "lite" is acceptable, elsewise stick to "light".

Answer 7

Having less substance or weight or fewer calories than something else: "lite music, shimmering on the surface and squishy soft at the core" (Mother Jones).

and i think lite and light are used interchangeable sometimes

Answer 8

The word "lite" was made up by advertisers/marketers. It has come to be a meaningless description of food products designed to fool you into thinking they are healthy.
"Light" would be used anytime you wanted to refer to the actual properties of weight or brightness, or light itself.

Answer 9

It's not--"lite" is the advertising world's creation. It's like saying because the cereal is called "Froot Loops," we can spell fruit that way.

Answer 10

A food compound is" lite" in calories. ( advertisers gimmick)

I switched on the hall "light "!.

>^,,^<