Reddwarf wrote:
I just purchased a home, and in the kitchen is a light that doesn't
work (there are others, with their own switches - that work)

the light that doesn't work has 33v going to it when I tested it with
a multimeter... if I flip the switch, it drops to like 18v. (i'm
testing the bulb holder) does anyone know what causes this? I haven't
looked much further down the line and traced the wiring... but I
thought someone might have some idea as to what causes this. i figured
in a house this small, it's either going to read 120v - or 0....


No. A reading of 120V = okay. A reading of 0 to 90 or so means zero volts.

The 33v or 18v is simply your meter lying to you.

Don't believe me? Stick your tongue on the wire. You'll be okay.