Meaning & Definition of word "Illuminate"
to
Illuminate
/ɪˈluː.mɪ.neɪt/
verb:
- 1. To light up; to make something visible or bright by providing light.
- Example: The streetlights illuminate the road at night, making it safe for pedestrians.
- 2. To clarify or explain a subject or topic for better understanding.
- Example: The professor used diagrams to illuminate the complex theories of physics.
- 3. To decorate with lights or bright colors, particularly as part of a celebration.
- Example: The city will illuminate the buildings for the festival this weekend.
Etymology
From Latin 'illuminare', meaning 'to light up or adorn with light'
Common Phrases and Expressions
illuminate one's mind:
to provide clarity or understanding to someone
illuminated manuscript:
a manuscript decorated with gold, silver, or vivid colors
illuminate a path:
to show the way clearly, both literally and figuratively
Related Words
light:
a natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible
enlighten:
to give someone greater knowledge and understanding about a subject or situation
clarify:
to make (a statement or situation) less confused and more comprehensible
Slang Meanings of illuminate
Meaning: to inspire or 'bring to light' a great idea
Example Sentence: The new project should really illuminate our goals for the year.
Meaning: to understand or grasp something clearly
Example Sentence: After that lecture, everything just clicked; it really illuminated for me.