Meaning & Definition
verb
present participle of illuminate; to light up or make clear.
The artist is illuminating the canvas with vibrant colors.
adjective
providing light; brightening.
The illuminating street lamps made the neighborhood feel safer at night.
clarifying or enlightening; providing insight or understanding.
The professor gave an illuminating lecture on the complexities of human behavior.
serving to educate or inform.
The documentary was illuminating, showcasing the struggles of climate change in vivid detail.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'illuminare', meaning 'to light up'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
light bulb moment:
a sudden realization or insight
shed light on:
to clarify or explain something
illuminate the issue:
to make a problem or subject clearer
Slang Meanings
mind-blowing
That explanation was mind-blowing, totally illuminating!
light bulb idea
When she spoke, I had a light bulb idea that was truly illuminating.