illuminate

//ɪˈluː.mɪ.neɪt//
B2Frequency Level 9Formal
Visual representation of illuminate

Verb

illuminateInfinitive
illuminatePresent tense
illuminatedPast tense
illuminatedPast participle
illuminatingPresent participle
illuminatesThird-person singular
1

To light up or brighten something with light.

The streetlights illuminate the road at night.

2

To clarify or make something easier to understand.

The professor's explanation illuminated the complex theory for the students.

3

To decorate a manuscript or text with gold, silver, or colored designs.

Medieval monks spent years illuminating religious manuscripts with gold leaf and intricate designs.