- 1illuminate something to shine light on something Floodlights illuminated the stadium. The earth is illuminated by the sun.
- 2illuminate something (formal) to make something clearer or easier to understand synonym clarify This text illuminates the philosopher's early thinking.
- 3illuminate something to decorate a street, building, etc. with bright lights for a special occasion
- 4illuminate something (literary) to make a person's face, etc. seem bright and excited synonym light up Her smile illuminated her entire being.
illuminate
verbNAmE//ɪˈluməˌneɪt//
(less frequent illumine)Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they illuminate he / she / it illuminates
past simple illuminated
-ing form illuminating
Check pronunciation: illuminate