WordLens

illuminate

1 of 1verb
/ɪˈluməneɪt/
Forms:illuminates,illuminating,illuminated,illuminated
1

to provide light to something, making it brighter

transitive
  • The lanterns beautifully illuminate the garden path at night.
  • She used a flashlight to illuminate the dark corners of the attic.
  • The streetlights illuminated the dark alley, providing a sense of safety.
  • The artist strategically placed lamps to illuminate the beautiful painting in the gallery.
  • As the sun set, the candles were lit to illuminate the room with a warm glow.
Synonyms:
lightlight upillumeillumine
2

to clarify or make something clearer by providing insight or understanding

transitive
  • The teacher used diagrams to illuminate the concept of photosynthesis for her students.
  • The expert's explanation helped illuminate the complexities of quantum mechanics.
  • The counselor's advice helped illuminate the root cause of the client's anxiety.
  • The guest speaker's presentation illuminated the importance of environmental conservation.
  • The CEO's speech aimed to illuminate the company's vision for the future.
Synonyms:
straighten outcrystalizeelucidateexplicateexpandcrystallizedevelopenlightencrystaliseclear upsort outcrystalliseelaborateclearshed light on
3

to decorate a manuscript with colorful designs, illustrations, or decorative elements

transitive
  • The medieval monks would meticulously illuminate manuscripts with intricate patterns and illustrations.
  • The ancient scribe used gold leaf to illuminate the first letter of each paragraph in the manuscript.
  • In the Renaissance era, wealthy patrons commissioned artists to illuminate their family crests in manuscripts.
  • The calligrapher skillfully illuminated the title page of the book with ornate lettering and miniature paintings.
  • The artist spent hours illuminating the borders of the page with delicate floral motifs.