Meaning & Definition of Illuminate in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: to provide or brighten with light

  Example Sentence: The street lamps illuminate the road at night.

• Definition: to clarify or explain a subject

  Example Sentence: The professor aimed to illuminate the complex theory.

• Definition: to decorate with patterns or designs, especially with gold or silver

  Example Sentence: The ancient manuscript was beautifully illuminated.

• Definition: to educate or enlighten intellectually or spiritually

  Example Sentence: The novel seeks to illuminate the human condition.

Etymology

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

Synonyms

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

Translations

• Spanish: iluminar

• French: illuminer

• German: beleuchten

• Russian: освещать

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.