illuminate
Illuminate (verb) means to light up or shine light onto something. Example: “Fairy lights illuminated the garden for the party.”
How to use illuminate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo shine light on something physically, or to make an idea clearer.
Word forms
more illuminate comparative, illuminated past tense, illuminates plural, illuminates singular, most illuminate superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Fairy lights _____ the garden for the party.
Etymology
From Latin illuminare, "to light up" — in- ("in") + lumen ("light").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for illuminate
See all rhymes for illuminate →Frequently asked questions
What does “illuminate” mean?
The word “illuminate” means to light up or shine light onto something. In plain terms, to shine light on something physically, or to make an idea clearer.
How do you pronounce “illuminate”?
“Illuminate” is pronounced ih-LOO-mih-nayt (/ɪˈl(j)umɪneɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “illuminate” in a sentence?
Here is “illuminate” used in a sentence: “Fairy lights illuminated the garden for the party.”
What is another word for “illuminate”?
Words with a similar meaning to “illuminate” include enlighten, illumine, quill, shine, alight and beshine.
What is the opposite of “illuminate”?
The opposite of “illuminate” — its antonyms — is endarken.
What part of speech is “illuminate”?
“Illuminate” is a verb.
Where does the word “illuminate” come from?
The word “illuminate” comes from Latin. From Latin illuminare, "to light up" — in- ("in") + lumen ("light").
Is “illuminate” a common word?
“Illuminate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.