Illuminate

/ɪˈl(j)umɪneɪt/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive) To shine light on something..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To shine light on something.
2. (transitive) To decorate something with lights.
3. (transitive, figurative) To clarify or make something understandable.
4. (transitive) To decorate the page of a manuscript book with ornamental designs.
5. (transitive, figurative) To make spectacular.
6. (intransitive) To glow; to light up.
7. (intransitive) To be exposed to light.
8. (transitive, military) To direct a radar beam toward.

Example Sentences

Nero illuminated his gardens with live Christians soaked in tar, and we were now treated to a similar spectacle, probably for the first time since his day, only happily our lamps were not living ones.

A light that is one foot away from the subject's face will completely illuminate the face, but leave the rest of the body softer and darker.

Riding along the busy, narrow roads of Bali on her scooter with the sun illuminating her face, Victoria Kjos has a clear destination in sight — the beach.

The situation, as it was, made it more difficult for him to leave. Yet it illuminated the very reasons why he had to go.

Hodgson's approach may not illuminate proceedings in Poland and Ukraine but early evidence suggests they will be tough to break down.

Say my name / and every color illuminates. / We are shining / […]

Red diode in button illuminates when camera runs at speed set in five-digit speed selector.

February 28 1630, Joseph Hall, The Hypocrite do ye see an illuminate elder of the anabaptists rapt in divine ecstasies?

Synonyms for illuminate

Antonyms for illuminate

Related Words

Word Forms

• illuminates
• illuminating
• illuminated
• more illuminate
• most illuminate

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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