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verb B2 Upper-Intermediate

radiate

RAY-dee-ayt

Radiate (verb) means to send out light, heat, or other energy in rays from a central point. Example: “The stove radiated warmth throughout the small cabin.”

verb
1
To send out light, heat, or other energy in rays from a central point.
"The stove radiated warmth throughout the small cabin."
2
To visibly or noticeably give off a quality, such as confidence or joy.
"She radiated confidence as she walked into the interview."
"He radiates enthusiasm whenever he talks about his work."

How to use radiate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo send out light or heat from a center, or to clearly display a quality like happiness or confidence.

Common pairings
radiate warmth radiate confidence radiate energy

Word forms

more radiate comparative, radiated past tense, radiates plural, radiates singular, most radiate superlative

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The stove _____ warmth throughout the small cabin.

Etymology

A learned borrowing from Latin radiatus, the past participle of radiare, "to give off rays", from radius, "spoke, ray".

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for radiate

See all rhymes for radiate →

Frequently asked questions

What does “radiate” mean?

The word “radiate” means to send out light, heat, or other energy in rays from a central point. In plain terms, to send out light or heat from a center, or to clearly display a quality like happiness or confidence.

How do you pronounce “radiate”?

“Radiate” is pronounced RAY-dee-ayt (/ˈɹeɪdieɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “radiate” in a sentence?

Here is “radiate” used in a sentence: “The stove radiated warmth throughout the small cabin.”

What part of speech is “radiate”?

“Radiate” is a verb.

Where does the word “radiate” come from?

The word “radiate” comes from Latin. A learned borrowing from Latin radiatus, the past participle of radiare, "to give off rays", from radius, "spoke, ray".

How many meanings does “radiate” have?

“Radiate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to send out light, heat, or other energy in rays from a central point.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial