illuminate

[ih-loo-muh-neyt, ih-loo-muh-nit, -neyt]

verb (used with object)

illuminated, illuminating 

1. to supply or brighten with light; light up.

2. to make lucid or clear; throw light on (a subject).

   Synonyms: elucidate, explain, clarify

3. to decorate with lights, as in celebration.

4. to enlighten, as with knowledge.

5. to make resplendent or illustrious.

   A smile illuminated her face.

6. to decorate (a manuscript, book, etc.) with colors and gold or silver, as was often done in the Middle Ages.

verb (used without object)

illuminated, illuminating 

1. to display lights, as in celebration.

2. to become illuminated.

adjective

1. Archaic.,  illuminated.

2. Obsolete.,  enlightened.

noun

1. Archaic.,  a person who is or affects to be specially enlightened.

illuminate

verb

1. (tr) to throw light in or into; light up

   to illuminate a room

2. (tr) to make easily understood; clarify

3. to adorn, decorate, or be decorated with lights

4. (tr) to decorate (a letter, page, etc) by the application of colours, gold, or silver

5. (intr) to become lighted up

adjective

1. archaic,  made clear or bright with light; illuminated

noun

1. a person who has or claims to have special enlightenment

Other Word Forms

• illuminator noun
• illuminative adjective
• illuminatingly adverb
• preilluminate verb (used with object)
• reilluminate verb
• semi-illuminated adjective
• unilluminated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of illuminate¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin illūminātus, past participle of illūmināre “to light up, brighten”; illumine ( def. ), -ate ¹ ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of illuminate¹

C16: from Latin illūmināre to light up, from lūmen light

Example Sentences

During a lunar eclipse, the light illuminating the Moon has passed through Earth's atmosphere.

From BBC

Biographies of the Mitford sisters and Scottish writer Muriel Spark are sharp and illuminating.

From Los Angeles Times

A book for fans of mysteries and magical realism, it illuminates the environmental hazards of agrifarming in Southern California.

From Los Angeles Times

She said the series, produced by Glasgow-based Go Radio, were both cathartic for the contributors and illuminating for their loved ones.

From BBC

Comparing the groups’ chemical exposures before their children were born could help illuminate causes of the condition, McCanlies realized.

From Salon

Related Words

• clarify 
• define 
• dramatize 
• elucidate 
• explain 
• illustrate