Illuminate

/ɪˈluː.mɪ.neɪt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To light up; to make something visible or bright by providing light.

The streetlights illuminate the road at night, making it safe for pedestrians.

To clarify or explain a subject or topic for better understanding.

The professor used diagrams to illuminate the complex theories of physics.

To decorate with lights or bright colors, particularly as part of a celebration.

The city will illuminate the buildings for the festival this weekend.

From Latin 'illuminare', meaning 'to light up or adorn with light'

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

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

to inspire or 'bring to light' a great idea

The new project should really illuminate our goals for the year.

to understand or grasp something clearly

After that lecture, everything just clicked; it really illuminated for me.